London Tube strike causes major travel disruption across city

London faced major travel disruption on Tuesday after some Underground train drivers went on strike over changes to working hours. The walkout by members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers went ahead after talks with Transport for London failed. Another full-day strike is planned for June 4.

There was no service on the Circle, Piccadilly and Waterloo & City lines. Parts of the Metropolitan and Central lines were also shut. Other Tube lines were running with severe delays.

The Elizabeth line, Docklands Light Railway, London Overground and buses continued to operate, but services were expected to be busier than usual.


The dispute is over TfL’s plan to let drivers work a five-day week in four days by doing longer shifts. RMT said its members are worried about fatigue and safety. TfL said the changes are voluntary and would help improve reliability.

Drivers from Aslef are not taking part in the strike after agreeing to the proposals.

“RMT remains available for meaningful talks, but London Underground cannot push ahead with changes to drivers’ working conditions while refusing to properly address legitimate safety and workplace concerns,” an RMT spokesperson said Monday.

TfL said there were limited services before 6:30 a.m. and advised passengers to finish their journeys before 9 p.m.

Earlier strikes planned for May and mid-June were called off last month after progress in talks. However, RMT added two strike dates for early June. Strikes also took place in April, while a walkout last September caused major disruption when both unions joined the action.

Unlike recent strikes that affected trains from midday, this week’s walkouts are expected to affect services throughout the day.

The disruption may lead many finance workers in the City of London to work from home. That could affect hospitality businesses that depend on commuter footfall.