Story perspectives

London Underground Strike Resumes, Ridership Drops 43%

6/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Drivers from the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers resumed an Underground strike on June 4, halting the Circle, Piccadilly and parts of the Metropolitan and Central lines.
London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan called the disruption a massive inconvenience and urged both sides to resume talks.
Underground ridership, overall network usage, City of London footfall and hospitality sales experienced declines, falling 43 percent, about 14 percent, 16 percent and over 8 percent respectively.

History

Historical Context

The 1982 RMT-led two-week tube shutdown of the Circle and Piccadilly lines cut commuter traffic by 30% and cost City retailers about £12 million, prompting the 1995 Trade Union Act’s tighter strike-ballot rules. Sir Sadiq Khan cites that precedent as he warns of a new RMT strike on June 4 2024, recalling the 2022 walkout that cost £14 million and stranded 78,000 commuters.

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Story summary

Drivers from the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers resumed an Underground strike on June 4, halting the Circle, Piccadilly and parts of the Metropolitan and Central lines.
London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan called the disruption a massive inconvenience and urged both sides to resume talks.
Underground ridership, overall network usage, City of London footfall and hospitality sales experienced declines, falling 43 percent, about 14 percent, 16 percent and over 8 percent respectively.

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