Tube drivers are set to stage two one-day strikes in April and May, bringing the entire London Underground network to a standstill unless a dispute over changes to working conditions is resolved. The strikes, planned by the Aslef union representing 96% of train drivers in Britain, are scheduled for Monday 8 April and Saturday 4 May, starting at 00:01 and finishing at 23:59.
Finn Brennan, Aslef’s full-time organiser on London Underground, stated that the strikes are a result of the management’s failure to assure that changes to terms and conditions will not be imposed without agreement. He highlighted concerns about longer shifts, increased time in the cab, and the removal of current working agreements in the name of “flexibility and efficiency.”
Brennan emphasized that the proposed changes would require staff to work harder and longer for less, and management has not fulfilled commitments on cab security, police numbers on the night tube, and training. Despite the union’s willingness to negotiate, there has been no progress in discussions with management.
Aslef drivers voted overwhelmingly in favor of strike action, citing dissatisfaction with the management’s approach. Transport for London (TfL), facing a funding gap since government cuts in 2015, is struggling to cover the cost of running the tube network. An agreement with the government on funding is in place until 31 March, but the ongoing dispute with tube drivers adds to the challenges faced by TfL.