London Underground Drivers Prepare for Strikes Over Working Conditions

London Underground drivers, represented by the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, are set to stage a series of strikes from April 21 to April 24, 2026, in response to Transport for London’s (TfL) proposal to implement a four-day working week. The strikes will occur in two 24-hour segments, starting at noon on both Tuesday and Thursday. The RMT argues that the proposed changes would extend daily working hours while reducing the number of workdays, potentially increasing driver fatigue and compromising safety.

BBC NewsThe Times of LondonLondon Underground strikes set for 21 and 23 AprilThe IndependentLondon Tube strikes this week over TfL four-day week plansLondon Underground strikes set to go aheadThe GuardianLondon Tube Strikes 2026: Why They’re Happening, Which Routes Are Affected & What Time Services Will Open and Resume – Here’s Everything You Need to KnowLondon Tube stikes and disruption - what we know so far

The planned strikes will significantly disrupt the London Underground network, with no services expected on the Piccadilly and Circle lines, and limited operations on the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate, as well as the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street. TfL has warned that while some services may run normally until mid-morning, substantial disruption will begin after noon on strike days and may continue into the following day.

The IndependentLONDON TUBE STRIKES: Where and when April 2026 tube strikes will impact journeys as TfL urges passengers to plan aheadLondon Tube stikes and disruption - what we know so farThe GuardianThe Times of LondonLondon tube strike and bus strikes- Lines and routes affectedLondon Underground strikes set to go aheadLondon Tube Strikes 2026: Why They’re Happening, Which Routes Are Affected & What Time Services Will Open and Resume – Here’s Everything You Need to KnowTube strike chaos piles fresh pressure on London’s beleaguered night-time economyBBC News

Eddie Dempsey, the RMT's general secretary, expressed frustration over the stalled negotiations, stating that TfL has shown an unwillingness to make concessions to avert strike action. He emphasized that the union has approached discussions in good faith but feels that TfL's approach does not foster industrial peace. The RMT is advocating for a 32-hour workweek over four days, which would reduce weekly hours without altering pay, contrasting with TfL's proposal that maintains the same contractual hours but compresses them into fewer days.

The Guardian

TfL has described the strikes as "completely unnecessary," asserting that the proposed changes are voluntary and aimed at modernizing working patterns to align with other train operating companies. Claire Mann, T

Tube strike chaos piles fresh pressure on London’s beleaguered night-time economy