Hopes grow that London Underground strikes could be called off

"Hopes have been raised that next week's strikes by London Underground drivers could yet be averted, after sources said the RMT union had put out feelers for talks. The RMT members, almost half of London's Tube drivers, are due to strike for two 24-hour periods from midday on Tuesday and Thursday, closing some lines entirely and bringing widespread travel disruption to the capital until the weekend."

"No talks have yet taken place and with neither Transport for London nor the union apparently willing to alter course, further strikes had appeared inevitable. TfL has warned passengers that many services will not operate next week. However, a source close to the dispute said that union representatives had now reached out to seek a deal, giving TfL a window of opportunity to prevent further strikes."

"It is clear TfL needs to move from its uncompromising position and make some new proposals that do not impose new working conditions that tube drivers will not accept. An opportunity exists for the employer to do the right thing by Londoners and make a reasonable offer to the union. With the strike still expected to take place, TfL has urged customers to plan ahead expect significant disruption, with early closures of services on Tuesday and Thursday and late starts on Wednesday and Friday."

"No trains at all will run on the Circle line, Piccadilly line, and in Zone 1 on the Metropolitan line and the Central line. However, TfL stressed that Londoners and visitors would still be able to travel around the city, with other rail lines and transport modes running, and even some Tube trains during the two 24-hour strike periods. The Elizabeth line, London Overground and DLR will run as normal, as well as buses."

RMT members are scheduled to strike for two 24-hour periods starting Tuesday and Thursday midday, with widespread disruption across London Underground. The action follows earlier strikes in April and is tied to a dispute over a planned four-day week working pattern. No talks have occurred yet, and TfL and the union have appeared unwilling to change their positions, making further strikes seem inevitable. TfL has warned that many services will not run, including no trains on the Circle line, Piccadilly line, and parts of the Metropolitan and Central lines in Zone 1. TfL says other transport options will still operate, including the Elizabeth line, London Overground, DLR, and buses, with some Tube services possibly running during strike periods.

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