London Workers Brace for Travel Chaos in Latest Tube Strike

London commuters are facing significant travel disruption again this week with drivers on the city's Underground train network poised to walk out in a dispute over working hours.

Staff on the Tube will push ahead with industrial action after talks failed on an agreement over Transport for London's plan to allow drivers to condense their five-day week into four days by working longer hours.

Walkouts will take place over two 24-hour periods this week, with the first starting at 12 p.m. on Tuesday. More are planned for next month and also for June.

Tube Driver Strike Dates:April 21, 12 p.m. (Tuesday) to April 22, 11:59 a.m. (Wednesday)April 23, 12 p.m. (Thursday) to April 24, 11:59 a.m. (Friday)May 19, 12 p.m. (Tuesday) to May 20, 11:59 a.m. (Wednesday)May 21, 12 p.m. (Thursday) to May 22, 11:59 a.m. (Friday)June 16, 12 p.m (Tuesday) to June 17, 11:59 a.m. (Wednesday)June 18, 12 p.m. (Thursday) to June 19, 11:59 a.m. (Friday)Source: RMT

Two strikes planned last month were called off by the RMT labor union following progress in talks. But the chances of a truce appear limited this time round after the union criticized TfL at the weekend.

"We have approached negotiations with TfL in good faith throughout this entire process," said RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey. "But despite our best efforts, TfL seem unwilling to make any concessions in a bid to avert strike action."

The union has said its members are concerned about shift lengths and the potential impact on fatigue and safety, if drivers were to work longer daily shifts. These are the first strikes since September. The changes will help improve reliability and are voluntary for workers, TfL has said.

Many London workers will work from home to avoid delays traveling to and from the office.

That won't be much consolation for the central London bars and restaurants that are set to lose business.

Pubs and bars may see a drop in sales as high as 40% during the walkouts, the UKHospitality trade body has predictedBloomberg Terminal, a fresh setback for a sector already grappling with higher wages and taxes.