More strikes announced for Heathrow Express and LU

LONDON Underground drivers ended the first of four strikes early yesterday to protest the dismissal of a union activist. The strike involves all union members who drive trains on the city’s subway system. The walkout was the first of four strikes planned to coincide with the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, which will run until July 3. Additional walkouts are proposed for June 27, June 29 and July 1, according to the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT).

A strike by RMT members is also scheduled for Heathrow Express services this week. The rail link workers will walk out for 24 hours from 09h15 BST on June 26 to 09h14 on June 27, in a row over pay. The company, which operates out of Paddington Station, said it would try to avoid inconveniencing customers. The workers will also ban overtime and will work to rule for 24 hours from June 25 and again from June 27. The strike will end hours before a planned strike by RMT members on London Underground. On June 27, industrial action on the Tube starts at 21h00 and runs until 11h59 the next day. On June 29, it starts at noon and runs until 11h59 June 30, and the July 1 strike starts at noon and runs until 21h00 that night. The Heathrow Express strike runs from 09h15.