Strikes to Hit the Tube for a Whole Working Week

Both ASLEF and the RMT taking action later this month

Significant disruption expected on London Underground

July 11, 2023

Both the main unions representing staff on London Underground have announced industrial action for later this month.

The tube drivers’ union ASLEF has asked its members not to turn up for shifts on Wednesday 26 and Friday 28 July.

Strikes by drivers on the tube network tend to mean that services are severely reduced with some lines not operational at all. Schedules also tend to be disrupted on the day following strike action.

The RMT has called out its members for almost a week from Sunday 23 July until Friday 28 July.

The RMT strike is likely to be a rolling action with different sets of workers striking on different days. No strike is scheduled for Monday 24 July but disruption from the previous day means that services will be affected. This is most sustained action by the union in the dispute so far which suggests the dispute is escalating.

The RMT says staff will be poorer in retirement if proposed changes by TfL go ahead, claiming they will lose up to 30% of their pension pot.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said, "This week of action will shut down the London Underground and show just how important the work of our members is."

Finn Brennan, the full-time organiser for ASLEF on London Underground, 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.”

Glynn Barton, 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."

There are already separate rail strikes by ASLEF scheduled at 14 train companies including South Western and Great Western Railways on 20, 22 and 29 July.

ASLEF also has an overtime ban running from Monday 17 to Saturday 22 July will may lead to some disruption of timetables on train services.