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London Tube workers to strike in responses to bosses plans to change working practices

LONDON Underground workers are to strike in response to bosses’ plans to change working practices, which their union says will “destroy the work-life balance of 3,000 drivers.”

The workers’ union RMT said that Transport for London (TfL) is pressing ahead with changes to the rosters and pay of night staff despite recognising the key role the drivers played in keeping the capital running during Covid-19 lockdowns.

Strike action was postponed after some progress was made in negotiations but has now been rescheduled.

The drivers will stop work for 24 hours from noon on Tuesday August 24 and Thursday August 26.

Further talks are to take place on Friday through the conciliation service Acas.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Our planned action remains on as scheduled.

“We have further talks at‎ Acas with London Underground and we will go into those negotiations in a positive frame of mind, seeking an agreement that protects both jobs and work-life balance for our members.”

TfL is pressing ahead with the changes even though it accepts that the strikes will “cause severe disruption.”

London Underground customer operations director Nick Dent said: “Our drivers have been vital in keeping the Tube running during the pandemic, ensuring that key workers could move around the city during the lockdowns and helping fuel London’s recovery in more recent weeks.

“This new arrangement means that all drivers have been given the opportunity for full-time work and long-term job certainty, while Londoners can continue to rely on the regularity of Tube services.”

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