RMT votes for new tube strike mandate amid four-day week dispute
The RMT union has approved a fresh mandate for possible tube driver strikes after a ballot on the proposed four-day week, prompting London Mayor Sadiq Khan to warn against concessions.
London Underground drivers voted in a ballot that resulted in a new RMT mandate authorising strike action over the contested four-day week arrangement. Of the 1,719 eligible drivers, 1,050 cast votes, and 978 (93%) supported measures short of a full strike, surpassing the required thresholds. The RMT criticized the schedule as a "fake" four-day week that compresses five days of work, raising concerns about driver fatigue and short-notice shifts.
Mayor Sadiq Khan warned that conceding to the union could lead to further disruptions that would damage the city’s economic momentum. Meanwhile, the Aslef train drivers’ union fully endorsed the changes, citing benefits such as 35 additional days off annually, a reduction in average weekly hours from 36 to 34, and a third rest day each week. The dispute highlights a split among transport unions over working-time reforms for tube staff.
Why it matters
The outcome will affect London commuters and set a precedent for future public-sector work-time negotiations.
In this story
