London Tube Driver Strike Begins at Midday

Two days of 24-hour strikes by Tube drivers are set to start at noon, disrupting London Underground services. The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, representing approximately half of the network’s drivers, is leading the action in protest of Transport for London’s (TfL) proposed shift to a compressed four-day workweek. The union argues that the extended daily hours would lead to exhaustion and jeopardize safety.

Industrial action will affect key routes, with the Piccadilly and Circle lines fully closed. The Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate will also be shut down, while Central line services will halt between White City and Liverpool Street. Other lines will operate with limited capacity. TfL has stated the strikes are “completely unnecessary,” while Aslef, a separate driver union, backs the plan as a “positive outcome for trade unions.”

“There is absolutely no alternative but to proceed with the strike action,” said RMT’s London transport regional organiser, Jared Wood, highlighting concerns over driver fatigue. The union demands a 32-hour four-day week without pay cuts, unlike TfL’s proposal, which reduces weekly hours from 36 to 35 by introducing paid meal breaks.

The strike schedule includes a 24-hour period starting Tuesday at noon, followed by another 24-hour block beginning Thursday and ending midday on Friday. This contrasts with the September strikes, which involved both Aslef and RMT members and caused more severe disruptions. TfL emphasized that the four-day week is voluntary, allowing drivers to opt out if they prefer the current schedule.

Aslef’s spokesperson expressed surprise at the RMT’s decision, noting the strike would be “the first in the history of the trade union movement designed to stop people from working fewer hours and taking more time off.” The union views the proposal as a step toward better work-life balance. For further details on service impacts, visit the BBC’s explainer. Follow BBC Radio London and BBC London on social media for updates.

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