Major London Travel Disruptions: Bus and Tube Drivers Go on Strike in May, Raising "Fatigue and Safety Concerns"

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) will continue strike action on London Underground over the introduction of a "compressed four-day working week for tube drivers."

The 24-hour walk-outs started on March 24 and will carry on until the end of May.

"London Underground (LU) bosses are pushing ahead with a plan to compress a normal working week into four days despite the proposals being rejected by a majority of Train Operators in e-referendums.

Bus and Tube driver strikes on London. Photo: Shutterstock

Members have concerns about shift lengths, unacceptable working time arrangements, transfer and allocation processes, and the potential impact on fatigue and safety," said the RMT.

Strike dates: 

-May 19–20 between 12:00pm Tuesday and 11:59am Wednesday

-May 21–22 between 12:00pm Thursday and 11:59am Friday

Additionally, members have also been advised not to use any "company-issued electronic devices, including iPads, from 21 March until further notice."

Eddie Dempsey, RMT General Secretary: “We are clear that these proposals raise serious concerns around fatigue, safety and work-life balance."

More Disruptions: Over 300 Bus Drivers to Strike on May 15 

Unite has also announced "further disruption to bus services going across east to central London", in light of more than 300 drivers at the East London Bus & Coach Company escalating industrial action.

This dispute is also related to bus driver fatigue, with the union citing "long distances without adequate breaks, weekend working," and not "sufficient time between shifts to recuperate."

"This situation is leaving drivers concerned about their own health and safety as well as that of passengers and pedestrians. Drivers at Bow bus garage have reported having 'near misses' while driving due to the fact they are driving while fatigued."

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Our members at Bow bus garage should not be risking their lives just to go to work. The situation is appalling, not just for workers but the general public. Stagecoach needs to take drivers' concerns seriously and act immediately. Drivers at Bow bus garage have Unite's complete support during this dispute."

Previous strikes have taken place on April 17 and April 24. The last strike has been scheduled for May 15 (05:00 Friday to 05:00 Saturday) with new cancellations and delays expected.

The strike will affect services operating from the Bow bus garage, going to central London and Westfield Stratford City shopping center: the 8, N8, 25, N25, 45, 205 and N205.