Tube and train strikes: Everything you need to know about drivers’ walk-out in April and May 2024

During the months of April and May, a large portion of the rail network in the United Kingdom will cease operations due to train operators protesting for improved salaries and work conditions.

A large portion of the railway system in the United Kingdom will come to a complete halt in April and May. This is due to the fact that train and Tube operators are protesting for improved compensation and circumstances.

People who travel by National Rail services and the London Underground should prepare for extreme changes due to numerous staff members deciding to go on strike. This will happen over two periods of one-day Tube strikes and at 16 notable rail companies, leading to significant inconvenience for commuters.

The union ASLEF, which speaks on behalf of 96% of train operators in Britain, alleged that tube drivers were being compelled by their employers to put in more effort and clock in more hours for reduced compensation.

Finn Brennan, the London Underground organiser for the union, expressed that they are prepared to have discussions, but would prefer to witness actual implementation from management instead of mere empty commitments.

When Are April And May 2024 Tube Strikes?

Tube drivers who belong to ASLEF will be going on strike for two separate days, specifically on Monday 8 April and Saturday 4 May, by walking out of their job.

A lot of the transportation system in London will come to a stop, as Transport for London (TfL) has cautioned commuters to be prepared for significant interference.

In a statement given by the operator, it was mentioned that certain lines may have minimal to zero service. Moreover, on Tuesday 9 April and Sunday 5 May, the services might initiate at a later time than usual. However, it is anticipated that the services will be operating smoothly by mid-morning.

On Wednesday (April 3), ASLEF and TfL are having discussions to prevent the planned strikes.

Nick Dent, who works as the director of customer operations for London Underground, has expressed his desire for ASLEF to maintain open communication with them. This would help prevent any chances of a strike action taking place.

Train And Tube Drivers Strike In April And May. Why?

ASLEF is striving to secure improved wages for its members who work as tube drivers. The organization argues that the current pay proposals come with undesirable trade-offs in terms of working conditions.

According to Brennan, the management desires that the drivers extend their work hours, staying in the driving seat for an additional 25% of the usual time, and cancel all existing work contracts so as to attain the notion of "versatility and effectiveness".

TfL declared that they do not intend to enforce these alterations and have pledged that no one will be terminated from their job due to these changes.

Elizabeth Line & London Overground: Running During Strikes?

On days when strikes occur, the Elizabeth Line and Overground may experience higher levels of activity than normal. This could result in waiting lines forming at stations. Transport for London has encouraged commuters to contemplate incorporating walking or cycling into their travel arrangements.

When Will Mainline Strikes Take Place In April And May?

There are motorists all over the nation who are engaged in strike actions as well.

ASLEF members are planning a strike on Friday 5th April for Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains, and CrossCountry.

This Saturday, April 6th, workers belonging to Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Northern, and TransPennine Trains will go on strike and stop working.

Next Monday, which is the 8th April, employees at various train companies including c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway main line and depot drivers, and SWR Island Line will go on strike.

From Thursday 4 to Saturday 6 April, as well as from Monday 8 to Tuesday 9 April, the members have decided not to work on their designated days off.

Are Services Running During Operator Strikes?

According to ASLEF assistant general secretary Simon Weller in a recent Calling All Stations Podcast, certain operators will offer limited services on particular days, whereas others won't be able to operate any trains.

He mentioned that LNER will have their managers operate the trains during the strike to offer a limited service.

"However, the remaining firms located in the south, northwest, and north are expected to experience a total cessation of operations."

Additional details regarding mainline strikes can be obtained by visiting the website of your specific train service provider.