London commuters may need to alter their travel plans as two 24-hour Tube strikes are set to go ahead this week after last-ditch talks failed to resolve a long-running dispute over working hours. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) and Transport for London (TfL) are still scheduled to meet on Monday, and there remains a chance the action could be averted if meaningful progress is made. Otherwise, RMT members will walk out on Tuesday and Thursday, causing significant travel disruption across the capital.
Why Are the Strikes Happening?
The strikes are in response to proposed changes including a new four-day working week, which the RMT says its members oppose. Concerns have been raised around fatigue, longer shifts, reduced flexibility, and the impact on safety-critical roles. The drivers’ union Aslef has accepted the new arrangements. TfL’s chief operating officer, Claire Mann, stated that the proposals would offer train operators an additional day off while aligning London Underground with other train operating companies, improving reliability and flexibility at no extra cost. She emphasised that the changes would be voluntary, with no reduction in contractual hours, and that a five-day pattern would remain an option.
Strike Dates and Timings
The strike action is scheduled for:
- Tuesday 2 June (from midday) to Wednesday 3 June (until midday)
- Thursday 4 June (from midday) to Friday 5 June (until midday)
On strike days, services will begin to ramp down from mid-morning, with significant disruption from midday. Lines that do run will finish early. On the following days (Wednesday and Friday), services will start later, with no service expected before 7.30am, and normal service will resume only after midday, though delays are likely.
Which Tube Lines Will Be Affected?
The entire Tube network will be affected, but a reduced service will run on most lines. However, there will be no service on the following lines:
- Piccadilly line
- Circle line
- Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate
- Central line between White City and Liverpool Street
The Elizabeth line, DLR, London Overground, and tram services will run normally but are expected to be very busy. TfL advises passengers to check before they travel.
Background
Earlier strikes scheduled for 19 and 21 May were called off at the last minute, as were strikes planned for 16 and 18 June. The new dates of 2 and 4 June were announced as the dispute remains unresolved. RMT has warned that further strikes could follow if no agreement is reached.
