[title]
IMPORTANT UPDATE: The tube strikes planned for November 7 and 12 will no longer take place after ASLEF called off industrial action following last ditch talks and an ‘improved offer’ from TfL on November 5. The London Underground will now run as normal on those days.
It’s been well over two years since London’s rail workers first started striking over issues like pay, working conditions and job security. And while in September we might have gotten our hopes up with ASLEF voting to approve a pay deal (and thereby ending industrial action), Londoners have since received unfortunate news. Strikes have been called for November by both ASLEF union – and they kick off next week.
The other week the RMT voted to increase its mandate for striking in London by another six months, but today (November 1) it also called off strikes supposed to take place in November. In other slightly less-bad news, the TSSA union recently balloted for more strike action but turnout was too low to call industrial action. The TSSA represents hundreds of London Underground workers in roles such as customer service assistants, customer service managers and service controllers.
The RMT and ASLEF will strike next month, with some industrial action beginning next week. Here’s everything we currently know, from dates to which lines will be affected.
RECOMMENDED:
All you need to know about the train strikes across the UK.
Albert Bridge closures during half term: everything you need to know.
Find out how to get to London’s airports during strikes here.
Travel disruption to know about this weekend, November 1-3.
When are the tube strikes?
The ASLEF strikes will take place on Thursday November 7 and Tuesday November 12. The union’s members will also take part in an overtime ban from November 3 to November 16.
Which London tube lines will be affected?
Pretty much the entire London Underground network will be impacted by the strikes. Here’s how to get around London during the tube strikes.
When are the next London train strikes?
ASLEF members approved a nationwide pay deal, so train strikes on non-tube trains in London are unlikely. Some brighter news, eh?
How long will the London tube strikes last?
ASLEF’s two strikes will each last for an entire 24-hour period. However, there could also be disruption on the day following a strike.
When it comes to other train lines, each operator is different. Check your respective rail operator’s official website to find out exactly how many trains will be running and how long the action is expected to impact services.
Is the London Overground on strike?
Strikes on the Overground (soon to be renamed and re-coloured) in February were suspended. No more action is planned, though the orange line could be affected by the disruption of tube strikes.
Will the Elizabeth line be on strike?
There are no strikes currently planned for Elizabeth line services. However, like the Overground, services could be impacted by a tube strike. Find out more about the status of the Elizabeth line during strike action here.
Will strikes affect the Eurostar?
Eurostar is not expected to be affected by any strike dates. Find the latest details on the Eurostar website.
Why are UK train workers striking?
ASLEF workers are walking out in a dispute over pay, specifically about a pay agreement for 2024.
How to get to London airports during the tube strikes
When tubes are out of action due to strikes, there are other ways to get to London’s airports. Network Rail services run to airports, while coaches frequently run from central and outer London areas by the likes of National Express. All airports are also, obvs, all accessible by road – whether you’d like to drive or get a taxi. Expect higher levels of traffic during strike days.
What do the government’s anti-strike laws mean for London?
A bill requiring striking workers to meet ‘minimum service levels’ was passed by the Conservative government last year. The anti-strike legislation supposedly ensures ‘minimum service levels’ on key public services, including trains, theoretically making it pretty difficult for things to grind to a complete halt.
In practice, however, the law was not effectively put into practice. And over the summer the current Labour government confirmed that it is rolling back the law, telling employers not to enforce it while it passes a new law to formally abolish it.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.