London Underground workers to strike over pay

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London Underground passengers face a wave of disruption next month after two transport unions announced strikes in disputes over pay.

The Aslef union on Wednesday said drivers would walk out on Thursday November 7 and Tuesday November 12, while the RMT union set out a series of stoppages by other staff between November 1 and November 8.

Strikes by drivers typically close most, if not all, of the London Underground network. 

Finn Brennan, Aslef’s full-time organiser on London Underground, said members had rejected an offer for 2024 of a 3.8 per cent pay rise, plus a “variable lump sum” payment, made by Transport for London, the capital’s transport authority.

He said the offer meant London Underground drivers would “stay on a lower salary than drivers on other TfL services while working longer hours”.

A separate dispute over pay and working conditions between Aslef and train operators on the national rail network dragged on for two years, causing extended disruption to passengers.

But the strikes in London could be called off at late notice if TfL, which operates the Underground, reaches a last-minute deal with the union.

“Sadly, it is clear, once again, that Underground management will only get serious about reaching a settlement if there is the prospect of strike action,” Brennan said.

The RMT’s planned strike between November 1 and November 8 will involve staff working in different positions walking out on different days.

Its walkout is also likely to cause disruption, but TfL has typically managed to operate some services during RMT stoppages, which involve staff other than drivers such as engineering and station staff.

TfL said the planned strikes were “disappointing” and that, when cash payments were taken into account, the pay offer for both unions amounted to an average rise of 4.6 per cent. 

“We are engaging with our unions in good faith, having increased our offer since talks began, and have invited our unions to meet again next week,” it said.