Tube workers, represented by the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, are set to strike for seven days starting on September 5, amid a dispute concerning pay and working conditions. The RMT has cited issues related to workload and inadequate management response as key points of contention.
In a related situation, RMT members of the Docklands Light Railway will also participate in strikes during the week beginning September 7. Negotiations between London Underground (LU) workers and management have been ongoing, focusing on demands such as pay adjustments, fatigue management, shift patterns, and a potential reduction in the working week. The union claims that management has not adequately engaged with these issues.
Eddie Dempsey, the general secretary of the RMT, asserted that members work under strenuous conditions to ensure public transport operates smoothly. He emphasized that the concerns around fatigue and challenging shift rotations need addressing, as they have reportedly not been sufficiently acknowledged by LU management over the years. Dempsey mentioned that unresolved issues related to staff travel arrangements have fostered an atmosphere of distrust among workers.
Conversely, a spokesperson for Transport for London stated that they regularly meet with trade unions to discuss concerns. They noted a recent engagement with the RMT to address specific points raised. The spokesperson highlighted a proposed pay increase of 3.4% as part of ongoing discussions and claimed they have made progress on previous commitments. However, they noted that a reduction in the standard 35-hour workweek is not considered practical or financially feasible. The spokesperson called for continued dialogue rather than strike action, emphasizing that disruptions would adversely affect Londoners.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/aug/21/london-underground-workers-to-strike-in-september-over-pay-and-workload