The RMT Union has announced industrial action on the tube later this month — and it's all to do with noise levels.
Usually, 'industrial action' means a strike, but that's not the case this time around. Instead, tube drivers are turning up to work as normal, and protesting excessive noise levels on certain levels of track by driving at a reduced speed through these sections to keep those irritating screeches to a minimum.
95% of RMT drivers voted in favour of the industrial action, which will "alleviate the distraction, discomfort and anxiety caused in the affected areas". It's not surprising — a May 2019 study found that tube noise levels are dangerously high in 37 places on the Underground
The action applies to the Jubilee, Central, Northern and Victoria lines, meaning that if they're on your commute, your journeys could be taking slightly longer due to those lower speeds. Should be a bit quieter though, so swings and roundabouts.
No end date for the industrial action has been given — drivers will continue to drive at the lower speeds until London Underground takes action. The RMT wants the company to agree to introduce temporary speed restrictions at the problem locations, and provide a timescale for the removal and replacement of problem sections of track.
