Plan for Tube drivers' work week to be discussed

The Aslef union said it had been calling for a four-day week for decades

Drivers on the London Underground may see a change in their working conditions, following what Aslef union calls "a genuinely ground-breaking agreement" between the union and Transport for London (TfL).

Proposals include a discussion on restructuring the working week.

The announcement comes after successful pay negotiations led to planned strikes being called off.

Transport for London said discussions are ongoing and there will be no reduction in contractual hours.

A four-day week?

The talks arose as Aslef said its members' Underground working hours had fallen behind colleagues on the Elizabeth line and London Overground.

The union had threatened industrial action on 7 and 12 November unless TfL made an improved offer.

A letter from TfL to Aslef, on 5 November, said by January 2025 they will set out a proposal for delivering an average four-day working week, with paid meal relief included in working hours.

They claimed the move would mean fewer hours at work, while at the same time improving the reliability and efficiency of the service and maintaining the current 35-hour contractual working week.

They have admitted that no commitment has been made to its delivery.

Members will also receive a pay rise of 3.8% and five more days of paid paternity leave.

A TfL spokesperson said: "As with any proposal, there are still details that need to be worked through and any changes would need to be mutually beneficial, preserving or improving the reliability of our service for our customers and improving efficiency.

"We will continue discussions with our unions.”