London Tube Strike: 24-Hour Walkouts Over 4-Day Workweek

0:00On April 16, two drivers in London are set to strike next week over a dispute about switching to a four-day work week. The rail, maritime, and transport union plans to 24-hour walkouts, one from mid-day Tuesday, April 21 to mid-day Wednesday, April 22, and another Thursday, April 23 to Friday, April 24. Transport for London wants drivers to work 35 hours over four days instead of 36 spread over five, but the union pushes for just 32 hours. The union worries longer shifts, will cost fatigue, and risk passenger safety. TFL says the change is voluntary, keeps total hours the same, and matches other rail companies for better reliability without extra cost. Londoners face big disruptions, with no service at all on the Picadilly and Circle lines. Expect nothing on the metropolitan between Baker Street and Allgate, or central between White City and Liverpool Street. Most other lines will run, but with fewer trains, pack crowds, and possible boarding issues.

1:04Talks between TFL and the union are ongoing, though no big updates yet due to election rules. Back in March, the union suspended planned strikes after some progress, but now they're pushing ahead. Riders should check ahead, hop on DLR, Elizabeth Line, Overground, or Buses Where Possible, though East London buses face their own strikes Friday. TFL urges calling off the action to keep the city moving smooth.