St George’s Day takes place on Thursday, April 23 – but you may not be able to head to a local celebration on the London Underground. Tube strikes are to take place this Thursday, lasting for for 24 hours. It means they coincide with the day marking the patron saint of England.
Strikes by London Underground drivers will threaten travel disruption for commuters and visitors to the capital, including those heading for a traditional pub pint on St George’s Day. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) confirmed that its members will walk out from 12pm for 24 hours on both Tuesday and Thursday. The union is blaming Transport for London (TFL) for the action, saying it was prompted by a decision to impose a a new, four-day working week.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “We have approached negotiations with TfL in good faith throughout this entire process, but despite our best efforts, TfL seem unwilling to make any concessions in a bid to avert strike action.
“This is extremely disappointing and has baffled our negotiators.
“The approach of TfL is not one which leads to industrial peace and will infuriate our members who want to see a negotiated settlement to this avoidable dispute.”
TfL said services will vary across lines and urged passengers to check before they travel.
Although the main Trafalgar Square event for St George’s Day was held on Sunday, April 19, there are some events taking place on the day of April 23 for St George.
According to tourism travel firm Umbrella Transfers, The Royal Society of St George hosts the St George’s Day Banquet at Mansion House from 6pm. The Order of St George holds its St George’s Day Celebration Dinner at the National Liberal Club, beginning with a drinks reception at 7pm and including a three-course dinner centred on roast sirloin of beef, with a patriotic performance of Jerusalem played on the club’s Steinway grand piano. Concerts are also expected at the Guards’ Chapel on Birdcage Walk.
But it adds: “For most Londoners, though, 23 April is a pub day. A flag-raising, a pint of English ale, a slice of pie. The country’s national day is at its best when it is unhurried.”
Claire Mann, TfL’s chief operating officer, said: “We have set out proposals to the RMT for a four-day working week.
“This allows us to offer train operators an additional day off, whilst at the same time bringing London Underground in line with the working patterns of other train operating companies, improving reliability and flexibility at no additional cost.
“The changes would be voluntary, there would be no reduction in contractual hours and those who wish to continue a five-day working week pattern would be able to do so.”