Tube drivers strike over four-day week: what can HR learn about managing compressed schedules? Alan Lewis comments to People Management

Planned strikes by National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers members on the London Underground in the next six weeks highlight the complexities of introducing a compressed four-day week. Unions are at loggerheads over the proposals with the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen supporting the move for fewer working days days, the RMT warns longer shifts could increase fatigue and safety risks.

Employment lawyer, Alan Lewis, commenting to People Management, said “from an HR and legal perspective, the employer is not just changing the rota, they are altering employees’ contractual terms and the company’s risk profile.” If introduced without consultation or proper risk assessment, employers could face grievances, legal disputes and eroded trust.

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