TfL Tube strikes: Aslef announces two new walkout dates for April and May

Tube train drivers have announced two new dates of strike action over working conditions.

Members of train drivers’ union Aslef are to walk out on Monday April 8. Further action has also been announced on Saturday May 4.

Finn Brennan, a representative for the union, said on Wednesday: “Aslef Tube train drivers will strike in April and May in a long-running dispute over London Underground’s failure to give assurances that changes to our members’ terms and conditions will not be imposed without agreement and that all existing agreements will be honoured.

“Despite a previous commitment to withdraw plans for massive changes to drivers’ working conditions, London Underground management has established a full-time team of managers preparing to impose their plans.

“They want drivers to work longer shifts, spending up to 25% more time in the cab, and to remove all current working agreements in the name of ‘flexibility and efficiency’.”

A Transport for London (TfL) spokesperson said: “We have been in long-term discussions with our trade union colleagues on how to modernise procedures and processes on London Underground to improve the experience both for staff and customers. We have no plans to impose these changes and have committed to no one losing their job as part of these changes, and we have engaged with our unions to demonstrate that no change will be made that compromises our steadfast commitment to safety on the Tube network. We urge Aslef to continue discussions with us so that disruption for Londoners can be averted.”

Tram passengers in south London have also been warned of disruptions after Unite the union announced industrial action this week.

About 60 Croydon Tramlink engineers are expected to go on strike in a row with TfL over pay from March 24 to 28.

TfL says that while tram services will run there will be a reduced service on these days.

Customers are advised to plan ahead, consider alternative routes, check before they travel and allow extra time to complete their journeys. No replacement bus services will be in operation.