RMT Strike Hits London Underground Over Four-Day Week

London Underground services faced significant disruptions on Tuesday as members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) launched a 24-hour strike over proposed changes to drivers' working conditions. The action, which began at midday, affected multiple Tube lines across the city, stranding commuters and prompting warnings from Transport for London (TfL) to plan alternative travel.

The strike is the first of two this week, with another 24-hour walkout scheduled to start at midday on Thursday. It stems from an ongoing dispute between the RMT and TfL regarding a voluntary proposal to introduce a four-day working week for train operators. Under the plan, drivers could opt for longer shifts over four days, reducing their weekly pattern from five days while maintaining contractual hours at 35 to 36 hours. TfL has been piloting the changes on the Bakerloo line and argues they align with patterns at other rail operators, improving reliability without added costs.

RMT representatives contend the compressed schedule risks driver fatigue and compromises safety, potentially allowing extended driving times, earlier starts, later finishes, and reduced flexibility for shift changes or...