Elizabeth line staff set to strike on New Year's Eve

Control room staff on London's Elizabeth Line are planning to strike on New Year's Eve after rejecting their employer's latest pay offer, the RMT union has announced.

The industrial action will run from 9pm on December 31, 2024, until 8:59pm on January 1, 2025, potentially causing significant disruption to one of the capital's busiest travel periods. Many will be travelling to and from London to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks event.

In addition to the planned strike, workers will also refuse to work overtime or rest days from December 5 to December 18, 2024, as part of the escalating dispute.

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RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: "Our members play a vital role in running the Elizabeth Line and their demands for fair treatment on working hours and leave remain unmet. The current offer falls short, and our members are determined to secure a fair deal."

The union is seeking improvements to holiday entitlement and a reduction in working hours. They have called for urgent talks with MTR Elizabeth Line, the line's operator, to negotiate a revised offer.

Control room staff are considered vital to the Elizabeth Line's operation, and the union has expressed hope that a negotiated settlement can be reached before the planned strike action takes place.

The announcement follows what the RMT described as a "magnificent" ballot result, which has given the union a mandate to proceed with industrial action.

In a letter to members, seen by MyLondon, Mike Lynch wrote: "Firstly, I would like to congratulate you for returning a magnificent result in the recent ballot. You have given your union a mandate to push forward in this dispute.

"Let’s hope that this action will focus management’s minds and get them back round the table to resolve this matter. Management probably believe that you are not prepared to stand up and fight on this issue, it is time to prove them wrong."

A Transport for London spokesperson said: “We encourage the RMT and MTR to find a solution to this dispute. If this action goes ahead, we expect that Elizabeth Line services will still be available, but they may be busier than normal.”

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