London's underground network, the Tube, is facing a two-day strike this week after the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) announced industrial action on Monday. Workers are being urged to walk off the job on Tuesday and Thursday for 24-hour periods.

The strike stems from an ongoing labor dispute over working conditions. The RMT claims that Transport for London (TfL) has failed to provide assurances on concerns about fatigue, reduced flexibility, shift lengths, and their impact on safety-critical roles like tube driving.

TfL expressed disappointment that the union proceeded with strike action despite what it described as assurances on the new working pattern. The agency warned of significant disruption to travel and commutes.

According to TfL, the Circle and Piccadilly lines will have no service at all. The Metropolitan line will be closed between Baker Street and Aldgate, and the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street. Other lines will operate but with reduced service, starting late and finishing early.

Passengers are advised to complete their journeys before 21:00 on both strike days. Limited service will be available before 6:30 a.m. TfL urged customers to plan ahead and expect delays.

The RMT stated it remains available for meaningful talks but insisted the strike would go ahead. The union called off planned strikes last month to allow negotiations, but talks with ACAS failed to resolve the dispute.

Source: www.dw.com