Transport for London has published details of transport services operating on Boxing Day when Aslef union members employed by London Underground are to hold a one day strike.
The strike is the latest stage in an ongoing row over bank holiday pay and TfL has warned it “is likely to cause significant disruption” to passengers.
Aslef has been seeking extra pay for its members and a day off in lieu for working on the bank holiday.
It has previously rejected an LU proposal to schedule drivers to be on annual leave and then allow them to volunteer to work the day and exchange one day’s annual leave for pay, allow them remain on annual leave, or work Boxing Day and take annual leave on another day.
In a statement published on its website, the union said: “What we are asking for is not complex. We want a volunteer service on Boxing Day with those working getting more than flat time. An enhancement for this day will ensure members will be able to swap duties with someone who wishes to work.”
TfL says there will be “some services” on most Tube lines which were originally scheduled to operate and that these will be “configured to keep London moving and to support retailers and shoppers as much as possible.”
However it has warned of “significant disruption” and says some lines will run only a limited service with some sections of lines closed entirely. Passengers are advised to check before they travel at www.tfl.gov.uk
All London bus routes will operate a full Sunday service with additional buses laid on for passengers heading to the West End and Westfield shopping centres in Stratford and White city.
The DLR will also be in operation, except between Canning Town and Beckton and between Shadwell and Bank – and river services will operate between Greenwich and Westminster, stopping at Tower Pier, London Eye and Embankment.
As previously announced, the Congestion Charge is suspended until Tuesday 1st January and there will be no parking charges on roads in Westminster, which includes much of the West End.
Howard Collins, LU’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Train drivers are paid a salary that reflects some Bank holiday working, but the Aslef leadership is demanding to be paid twice for the same work and has rejected our attempts to resolve the matter.
“We will be running as many services as possible, supported by London’s 700 bus routes, but there will be disruption and we would urge customers to check the TfL website and local TV and radio bulletins for up-to-date travel information.”
Acknowledging the disruption, the union’s statement says: “We don’t expect support or gratitude from the public who will be inconvenienced on 26 December. But we hope there will be understanding.”