Tube drivers are set to walk out this week over proposed changes to their working schedule, leading to significant disruptions for commuters. The Rail, Maritime, and Tube Union (RMT) strike is set to impact the capital again this week with another two days of strikes. Tube drivers are planning to walk out on Tuesday, April 21 and Thursday, April 23.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s everything you need to know about the strikes, what lines are affected and why the drivers are striking. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: \u201cWe have approached negotiations with TfL in good faith throughout this entire process, but despite our best efforts, TfL seem unwilling to make any concessions in a bid to avert strike action.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is extremely disappointing and has baffled our negotiators.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
When are the strikes happening?<\/p>\n
The strikes are set to take place on Tuesday, April 21 and Thursday, April 23. The strikes will last 24 hours, with drivers walking out from 12pm to 12pm the following day.<\/p>\n
Morning – normal services expected until mid-morningLate morning – some disruption as services start to reduce ahead of strike action startingAfter midday, significant disruption is expected on all lines<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, April 22 and Friday, April 24.<\/p>\n
Morning – significant disruption expected on all linesAfter midday – continued disruption throughout the afternoon and eveningEvening – normal serviceStrike schedule in full:March 24\u201325 (cancelled)March 26\u201327 (cancelled)April 21\u201322April 23\u201324May 19\u201320May 21\u201322Could it be called off?<\/p>\n
Historically, Tube strikes are often called off with very little notice – sometimes less than 18 hours before the first picket lines form. Because negotiations often go down to the “eleventh hour”, a cancellation can happen while you are literally setting your alarm for the next morning<\/p>\n
For example, in January 2024 – strikes were called off on a Sunday afternoon (around 5pm) for action that was due to begin that same evening\/Monday morning. But even if a strike is called off the night before, disruption often still happens. This is because trains and drivers are not in the right positions, and TfL cannot magically reset the entire network’s logistics overnight.<\/p>\n
As of today – Sunday, April 19 – we are in the “danger zone” for these strikes, which are scheduled to begin this Tuesday, April 21, at midday. Reports from Friday indicated that “no formal peace talks” were scheduled between TfL and the RMT.<\/p>\n
Because the RMT has scheduled six walkouts through June, they may feel they have the leverage to let this first round happen to “show strength” before entering in to more negotiations ahead of the May or June strikes. If you are traveling this week, you should plan as if the strikes are happening<\/p>\n
What lines are affected?<\/p>\n
The entire tube network will be affected by the strike, but the Piccadilly line will be the most impacted. As many RMT members drive that line, there will be no service on the entire line. There will also be no service on the Circle line.<\/p>\n
No service is expected on the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate. There will also be no service expected on the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street.<\/p>\n
A reduced service will run across most lines, but significant disruption is expected to impact journeys throughout the network. On the whole, any services that do run on the London Underground<\/a> are expected to be less frequent, very busy, and passengers may not be able to board the first train.<\/p>\n The following service levels are expected:<\/p>\n Piccadilly Line: No service expected.Circle Line: No service expected.Central Line: No service expected between White City and Liverpool Street.Metropolitan Line: No service expected between Baker Street and Aldgate.Other Tube Lines: A reduced service will run across most lines, but significant disruption is expected.Elizabeth line, DLR, and London Overground: These services will run as normal but are expected to be very busy.<\/p>\n While the vast majority of London\u2019s bus network will operate normally, seven specific routes will be affected by a separate strike from 5:00 AM on Friday, April 24, until 5:00 AM on Saturday, April 25. Affected Routes: 8, 25, 45, 205, 425, N8, N25, and N205.<\/p>\n Why are they striking?<\/p>\n RMT members are striking ahead of proposed changes to their working schedule. The strike action is in opposition to plans to introduce a condensed four-day working week<\/a>. TfL bosses want to change the current 36-hour pattern spread over five days to drivers working 35 hours over four days, with one less paid lunch break.<\/p>\n The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) is pushing for this to be reduced to 32 hours across four days, with General Secretary Eddie Dempsey stating that longer shifts could lead to driver fatigue and put passengers at risk.<\/p>\n