Elizabeth Line workers to go on New Year's Eve strike sparking London travel chaos fears

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union say their demands for fair treatment on working hours and leave remain unmet and 'are determined to secure a fair deal'

Workers on London’s Elizabeth Line will go on strike on New Year's Eve in a dispute over pay.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union said it has rejected the company’s pay offer and is seeking improvements to holiday entitlement and a reduction in working hours.

Members off the RMT based in the control room plan to walk out for 24 hours from 9pm on New Year’s Eve.

They will also not work rest days or overtime from December 5 until December 18.

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 has called for urgent talks to secure a revised offer.

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.”

The Elizabeth line, which opened in 2022, stretches more than 100km from Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.