RMT sets Thursday deadline for Tube driver four-day week talks

Fears of further Tube disruption have emerged as the RMT union has set a deadline of Thursday, September 3rd, for London Underground to respond to its demands regarding a proposed four-day week for drivers. The union is seeking specific assurances on how the new working arrangements will affect staff and has warned of potential industrial action if its concerns are not addressed.

Union Demands and Concerns

Read Next in London Travel News3 min read

First new Elizabeth line train enters service

Ten additional trains ordered to boost capacity and support maintenance, with service increases planned for late 2027.

The RMT union's general secretary, Eddie Dempsey, outlined a series of demands in a memo to members. These include ensuring there will be no negative impact on drivers who choose not to opt into the four-day week, maintaining current staffing levels without any reduction in headcount, and continuing recruitment to ensure the long-term viability of existing roster arrangements. Furthermore, the union is demanding a greater say at the negotiating table and the ability for drivers to switch between the four-day week and their current schedule at any time, provided reasonable notice is given.

Mr Dempsey stated that discussions on a framework for compressed working had not resulted in any improvements to terms and conditions. He also indicated that London Underground had been unwilling to grant the union a more significant role in negotiations. The RMT has previously expressed concerns that the proposed four-day week involves compressing five days of work into four, raising issues around driver fatigue, potential impacts on those who do not adopt the new schedule, and last-minute shift changes.

Transport for London's Position

Related Borough Coverage2 min read

Barons Court Tube Station Set for Three-Day Closure

Transport for London will close the station for essential track upgrade preparations.

Transport for London (TfL) has maintained that the four-day week proposal is voluntary for drivers. A spokesperson for TfL confirmed that the organisation has been working with both the RMT and the Aslef train drivers' union since the proposals were made. TfL stated that they have repeatedly confirmed the voluntary nature of the arrangements and are continuing to work on the details required to fully address the union's concerns. They expressed anticipation of completing this work with both trade unions.

Support from Aslef Union

In contrast to the RMT's stance, the Aslef train drivers' union has fully backed the four-day week reforms. Aslef has described the changes as the most significant improvement in working conditions for Underground train drivers in decades. The union highlighted that Tube drivers would benefit from working conditions comparable to or better than those on mainline train companies, including an additional 35 days off per year, a reduction in average weekly rostered hours from 36 to 34, and a third rest day each week. This provides drivers with more personal time and reduces their overall travel to and from work.

Despite the support from Aslef, the RMT remains unsatisfied with the reassurances provided by TfL. The union is currently considering TfL's response to its list of demands, which were formally presented with a deadline of September 3rd.