19 Nov 2021 | 01:01 PM UTC
UK: London Underground staff to launch series of strikes on night and weekend services from Nov. 26
Tube staff in London, UK, to hold strike action on weekend and night services Nov. 26-Dec. 19; service disruptions likely.
Event
London Underground (Tube) train crew affiliated with the RMT union are planning a series of strikes from Nov. 26 to denounce understaffing and inadequate working conditions. The actions will predominantly impact weekend night services. Staff on the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines are planning a 24-hour walkout from 04:30 Nov. 26. Central and Victoria line staff will also strike from 20:30 to 04:29 on Nov. 27-28, Dec. 3-5, 10-12, and 17-18. The strikes are scheduled to culminate in a 24-hour walkout on the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines from 04:30 Dec. 18.
Unless averted, the strikes will likely prompt crowding and delays on alternative routes, including London Overground rail, buses, and taxis, particularly given the likely higher number of night-time passengers in the run-up to the Christmas holidays.
Striking workers could picket outside London Underground stations, though such gatherings will probably produce only minimal disruptions. Related disruptions could begin before the strike's scheduled start time and linger for several hours after the action concludes.
Context
Night-time Tube services are due to resume Nov. 27 after being suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff have criticized management for planning to restart services without adequate arrangements to reduce the impact on the work-life balance of staff. Further industrial action is likely if the dispute is not resolved.
Advice
Confirm tube schedules if planning to travel during strike periods. Plan accordingly for potential traffic congestion and reduced taxi availability in affected areas. Confirm rental car and taxi reservations due to potentially increased demand.
