Full Breakdown
RMT Tube Drivers Strike Over Four-Day Week Proposal
6/2/2026, 8:16:26 AM
Strike Schedule and Service Disruption
On 2 June and 4 June 2026, RMT drivers will walk out for 24 hours a day. Circle and Piccadilly lines will be closed; the Metropolitan (Baker Street–Aldgate) and Central (White City–Liverpool Street) lines will run partially. Other lines will run service, with trains after 06:30 BST and before 21:00 BST.
Four-Day Week Proposal and Prior Dispute
TfL proposes a voluntary four-day working week, piloted on Bakerloo, to improve work-life balance without cutting hours. The RMT says the plan lengthens shifts, raises fatigue risk and reduces flexibility in a safety-critical role. Aslef, representing drivers, has accepted the scheme and will work on strike days.
Primary Stakeholders
RMT’s spokesperson leads the walkout; Claire Mann, TfL’s chief operating officer, defends the scheme; an Aslef spokesperson backs pilot; Ed Richardson of BusinessLDN notes the economic impact.
Impact on Tube Services
RMT drivers make up half of the workforce; the rest, Aslef members, will work. No service runs on the Circle and Piccadilly lines, and limited sections of the Metropolitan and Central lines operate. Other lines will run reduced service before 06:30 BST and after 21:00 BST.
Official Statements & Responses
The RMT says TfL has not assured drivers on fatigue, shift length or flexibility, prompting strike. TfL argues four-day week is voluntary, drivers may keep a five-day pattern, and expresses disappointment at walkout while pledging to maintain service. Aslef stresses scheme’s nature and 35 days off per year for drivers. Groups warn strike threatens bookings and footfall for London-based enterprises.
Criticism & Opposition
Ed Richardson of BusinessLDN says the strike already affects bookings and urges swift resolution. Aslef’s view contrasts with the RMT, calling the proposal a positive step for work-life balance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Despite our best efforts in ACAS talks, TfL have failed to provide assurances on our members deeply held concerns around fatigue, reduced flexibility, shift lengths and the impact these proposals could have in a safety-critical role like tube driving,” — RMT spokesperson, RMT
- “We remain available for meaningful talks, but strike action will now go ahead.” — RMT spokesperson, RMT
- “ A TfL spokesperson said: “It is bitterly disappointing that despite five hours of meetings with the RMT at Acas and repeated assurances that the four-day working week proposals will remain voluntary, RMT has chosen to continue with its disruptive strike action.” — TfL spokesperson, Transport for London
- “Aslef says the voluntary compressed four-day week gives participating drivers an extra 35 days off a year "in return for some fairly minor changes to working conditions".” — Aslef spokesperson, Aslef
What’s Next
TfL says negotiations will continue after the June strikes, and the Bakerloo-line pilot of the four-day week is slated for further development. Both unions have signalled openness to additional talks; any further industrial action will depend on the outcome.
