Two weeks of disruption planned for tube and train services

Image above: A shuttered tube station during a strike; library image

Overtime ban and strike dates to cause disruption from 17 until 29 July

The two major unions representing London Underground staff, ASLEF and RMT, have announced industrial action scheduled for later this month, which is expected to cause significant disruptions to tube and train services for nearly two weeks.

ASLEF, the tube drivers’ union, has instructed its members not to report for duty on Wednesday 26 July and Friday 28 July. Driver strikes typically result in severe reductions in services, with some lines completely non-operational. Disruption to schedules is likely to continue even after the strike days.

At the same time, the RMT has called for a week-long strike from Sunday 23 July until Friday 28 July. The RMT strike is expected to involve a rolling action, with different groups of workers striking on different days. There will be no strike on Monday 24 July but, due to the disruption caused by the preceding day’s strike, services will still be affected.

In addition to the tube strikes, ASLEF has also scheduled separate rail strikes at 14 train companies, including South Western and Great Western Railways, on 20, 22, and 29 July. Additionally, an overtime ban imposed by ASLEF from Monday 17 July to Saturday 22 July may cause disruptions to train timetables.

The industrial action by ASLEF and RMT will impact several stations in the Chiswick area, including Chiswick Park, Turnham Green, and Gunnersbury.

Image above: RMT protestors at a picket line in Acton

Action needed to fight “detrimental changes” say union leaders

The RMT claims that proposed changes by Transport for London (TfL) would lead to reduced pension benefits for staff, potentially resulting in a 30% loss in their pension pot. Mick Lynch, the general secretary of the RMT, said:

“This week of action will shut down the London Underground and show just how important the work of our members is.”

ASLEF’s full-time organiser for London Underground, Finn Brennan, said:

“We take action only when needed. Unfortunately, the last few weeks have shown that London Underground management are determined to try to push through detrimental changes — despite trade union opposition — if they think they can get away with it.”

In response to the planned strikes, Glynn Barton, the chief operating officer for TfL, said:

“There are no current proposals to change pension arrangements, and although we are discussing with union colleagues a range of proposals to improve how London Underground operates, no employee will lose their job or be asked to work additional hours.”