Summer might’ve seen some sort of respite for London commuters from strike action, but, as previously threatened, major industrial action is kicking off once again. Strike action is taking place across the country, but it’s also affecting the capital.
The next strike action is taking place over several dates in the coming weeks – and it’s likely that disruption will continue for the foreseeable future. Back in August London Underground drivers who are ASLEF members voted overwhelmingly in favour of striking for at least the next six months, while strikes dates have also been announced by the RMT union. Here’s everything we know about the situation right now.
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Will the Elizabeth line be affected by tube and train strikes?
All you need to know about the train strikes across the UK.
How to get around London during the strikes in July and August.
When are the next London train strikes?
Members of the ASLEF union will go on strike on September 30 and October 4. They will also not work overtime on September 19 and for five days from October 2 to October 6.
Which London train lines will be affected?
The RMT and ASLEF strikes will affect 14 train companies, some of which operate services in and out of London. These are all the lines affected:
- Avanti West Coast
- CrossCountry
- East Midlands Railway
- Great Western Railway
- LNER
- TransPennine Express
- C2C (not involved in the Aslef action)
- Greater Anglia
- GTR (Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, Thameslink)
- Southeastern
- South Western Railway
- Chiltern Railways
- Northern Trains
- West Midlands Railway
Are there any tube strikes?
There are not currently any tube strikes planned for London in September.
Will the Elizabeth line be on strike?
The Elizabeth line is not set to be affected by the next strike action.
Will strikes affect the Eurostar?
Eurostar is also not expected to be affected by the upcoming strike dates. Find the latest details on the Eurostar website.
Why are UK train workers striking?
RMT has been battling with train companies over pay, working conditions and job cuts for well over a year.
The RMT general secretary, Mick Lynch, said: ‘The mood among our members remains solid and determined in our national dispute over pay, job security and working conditions.
‘We have had to call further strike action as we have received no improved or revised offer from the Rail Delivery Group.
‘The reason for this is the government has not allowed them a fresh mandate on which discussions could be held. Our members and our union will continue fighting until we can reach a negotiated and just settlement.’
What will the government’s proposed anti-strike laws mean for London?
A bill that would require striking workers to meet ‘minimum service levels’ is in its final stages before being passed. Rishi Sunak’s proposed anti-strike legislation would ensure ‘minimum service levels’ on key public services, including trains, making it pretty difficult for things to grind to a complete halt.
The law would allow bosses in rail, health, fire, ambulance, education and nuclear commissioning to sue unions and even sack employees if minimum services aren’t met during strikes.
However, many people, including opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer, have expressed concern that these laws could infringe on workers’ fundamental right to strike.
As for London trains, the legislation could make strike action less severe. With a minimum service, it would be less likely for there to be absolutely no tubes, Overgrounds or trains.
Culled from Timeout
