London Tube Strikes Set to Cause Major Transport Chaos
A strike by London Underground drivers, called by the RMT union, is poised to severely disrupt transport across the capital over the next four days. The industrial action will proceed from midday on Tuesday 21 April, with no last-minute negotiations scheduled, according to statements from both the RMT and Transport for London (TfL).
How Disruptive Will the Strike Be?
Just under half of London's tube drivers are members of the RMT union and are expected to participate in the strike, while a slight majority belonging to the Aslef union will continue working as normal. The RMT has organised the action in two 24-hour tranches, starting at midday on Tuesday and Thursday, aiming for maximum impact over a four-day period.
On Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, services will be significantly reduced, with most lines likely ceasing operations by 8pm. On Wednesday and Friday mornings, the first trains are not anticipated to run until 7.30am, and afternoon services are expected to be worse than usual.
Some lines may have no service at all during the strike periods. The Piccadilly, Waterloo & City, and Circle lines are projected to be completely halted. Additionally, parts of the Metropolitan line, between Baker Street and Aldgate, and the Central line, between White City and Liverpool Street, will also see no trains running.
Alternative Transport Options During the Strike
Yes, there are other ways to navigate London, but they are likely to be extremely busy. The London Overground, national rail services, the Elizabeth line, the DLR, and trams will operate as usual, but anticipate heavy crowding.
London buses should run normally, but they are liable to be very crowded and may face disruptions and delays due to increased passenger numbers and congested roads if more people opt for private cars.
TfL advises that walking or cycling could be easier for some journeys. During the previous tube strike in September 2025, cycle and e-bike hires saw a significant rise. Fortunately, the weather is forecast to be fine during this period.
Why Are Drivers Striking Again?
Not all drivers are involved—only RMT members. This dispute may test the patience of London's relatively sympathetic public more than usual. The RMT previously struck last year to demand a 32-hour working week, which TfL deemed unaffordable. Now, drivers are being offered a four-day week, supported by the Aslef union but opposed by the RMT.
TfL asserts that its proposals would align London Underground with the working patterns of other train operating companies, enhancing reliability and flexibility at no extra cost. The changes would be voluntary, with no reduction in contractual hours, and drivers wishing to maintain a five-day week could do so.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey criticised TfL for making no concessions, stating, "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."
Aslef expressed surprise at the RMT's action, viewing the voluntary four-day week as beneficial—offering tube drivers an extra 35 days off annually in exchange for minor working condition adjustments and a shift to electronic systems from paper-based ones.
Will the Strike Proceed and Are More Planned?
The first set of strikes in this dispute, scheduled for March, was called off by the RMT to allow talks. However, that pause was announced six days in advance, and currently, there are no signs of further negotiation. Over the weekend, the RMT accused TfL of "reneging on promises," making strikes inevitable.
If no resolution is reached, the RMT has scheduled additional strikes over the same four-day working pattern issue in May and June, potentially prolonging the disruption for London commuters.
