London commuters hit by travel disruption due to Tube strikes

(Bloomberg) — Londoners were hit by significant travel disruption Tuesday as some drivers on the city’s subway network went on strike over a dispute over working hours.

Strikes by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers continued after a deal with Transport for London failed. A strike is also planned for the entire day of June 4.

There are no services on the Circle, Piccadilly and parts of the Metropolitan and Central lines. Other metro lines are running, but usually with long delays. The Elizabeth Line, Docklands Light Railway, London Overground and buses are operating but are likely to be busier than usual.

The breaks are over TfL’s plan to allow drivers to cut their five-day week to four days by working longer shifts, with unionists saying its members are concerned about the impact on fatigue and safety. TfL said the changes will help improve reliability and are voluntary. Drivers belonging to the Aslef Train Drivers Union will not go on strike after agreeing to the proposals.

“The RMT remains available for meaningful talks, but London Underground cannot push for changes to drivers’ working conditions while refusing to properly address legitimate safety and workplace concerns,” an RMT spokesman said on Monday.

There were limited services before 6.30am and TfL advises passengers to complete their journeys before 9pm

Strikes planned for May and mid-June were called off last month following a breakthrough in last-minute talks, although the RMT has added two more dates for early June. Strikes took place in April and a walkout brought London to a standstill last September when both unions took part.

Unlike the last lockouts, which affected trains from midday, this week’s strikes will affect the entire day.

Many financial professionals in the City of London may stay at home to avoid the disruption that would hit hospitality businesses that rely on commuter visits.

(Update with strike details from first paragraph.)

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