London Underground services are set for major disruption from Sunday to Thursday as members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union stage a five-day rolling strike over pay and working conditions.
Different groups of staff will walk out on different days, but Transport for London (TfL) has warned that the action will result in little or no Tube service throughout the week. The strike will also affect the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) on Tuesday and Thursday, while the Elizabeth line and London Overground will run as normal but are expected to be much busier. Roads in the capital are also likely to see heavier traffic.
Why Are Workers Striking?
The RMT says the dispute is not just about pay but also about conditions, particularly fatigue from irregular early and late shifts. The union has demanded a reduction in the working week to 32 hours.
“Our members are not after a king’s ransom, but fatigue and extreme shift rotations are serious issues impacting their health and wellbeing,” said RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey. He added that unresolved issues over staff travel arrangements have created “an atmosphere of distrust.”
TfL’s Response
TfL has rejected the union’s call for a shorter week, saying it is “neither practical nor affordable” and would cost hundreds of millions of pounds. The transport authority has offered a 3.4% pay rise instead.
A spokesperson said: “We are committed to ensuring colleagues are treated fairly. We have made progress on several commitments, but a reduction in the 35-hour week cannot be delivered without significant costs. We urge the RMT to put our fair, affordable pay offer to members rather than disrupt Londoners.”
Union Vote and Leadership
The strike mandate was secured before TfL’s latest pay offer. Of around 10,200 eligible RMT members, 6,004 voted in favour of industrial action, with a turnout of just under 58%.
This will be the first major strike under new general secretary Eddie Dempsey, who took over the role earlier this year.
Impact on Events and Economy
The disruption has already forced changes to major events. Coldplay postponed two Wembley Stadium concerts after safety concerns meant licences could not be granted on strike days. The shows have been rescheduled for alternative dates.
Businesses are also bracing for losses. The Centre for Economics and Business Research estimates the strikes could cost the London economy around £230m in direct losses, with the true impact potentially far higher once indirect effects are factored in. Business groups warned the walkouts would damage the city’s global reputation as well as its night-time economy.
What Happens Next?
Last year, a planned Tube strike was called off at the last minute when London Mayor Sadiq Khan stepped in with £30m of emergency funding. Some observers believe the RMT may be hoping for a similar intervention this time.
Whether further strikes follow depends on how far the RMT is prepared to pursue its demand for a shorter working week — and whether TfL shows any willingness to compromise. For now, Londoners face a difficult week of travel disruption.
