Transport for London and the RMT remain at odds over a proposed four-day working week, prompting a series of 24-hour strikes that will affect key Tube lines and push passengers to find alternatives
The capital is bracing for fresh disruption after the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) confirmed a series of 24-hour walkouts by London Underground drivers. The union says its members will begin strike action from 12:00 noon for 24 hours on specified Tuesdays and Thursdays, following what it describes as a unilateral move by Transport for London (TfL) to impose changes to working patterns.
The dispute centres on a proposed four-day working week scheme, which TfL argues will modernise schedules and align the Underground with other train operators while the RMT warns of longer individual shifts and safety risks related to fatigue.
On 18 April 2026 the RMT issued a formal statement accusing TfL of reversing previous commitments to negotiate in good faith and of announcing an imposition of the condensed working week despite member opposition in two separate ballots.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said the union had sought a negotiated settlement but that talks had stalled, making industrial action “inevitable.” TfL has rejected that characterisation, describing its proposals as voluntary trials that would not reduce contractual hours and saying drivers who prefer a five-day pattern could keep it.
Both sides say they remain open to talks, but additional strike dates are already planned.
What passengers should expect
The immediate operational picture is significant: Transport for London warns of reduced or suspended services across much of the network on strike days. In particular, the Piccadilly and Circle lines are not expected to operate at all during the 24-hour actions, and there will be no service on the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate. Central line operations will also be curtailed, with no trains running between White City and Aldgate during the walkouts. TfL stresses that service levels will vary by line and urges passengers to check live updates before travelling, while expecting crowding on alternatives such as the Elizabeth line, London Overground, DLR, trams and buses.
Timing and scope of the planned strikes
The RMT has published multiple 24-hour stoppages that will take place on paired days, starting from midday on each listed Tuesday and Thursday and lasting a full 24 hours. Specific windows include 21–22 April, 23–24 April, 19–20 May, 21–22 May, 16–17 June and 18–19 June. Only drivers who are RMT members are expected to walk out, which represents roughly half of the driving workforce on the network. Other unions that represent Tube staff have different positions; for example, Aslef accepted a similar four-day arrangement previously, while separate industrial action by other unions such as Unite may coincide with these dates, affecting buses operated by some companies.
Root causes of the dispute
At the heart of the confrontation is a disagreement over what the four-day working week actually means in practice. TfL’s proposal would reduce the number of working days for many drivers from five to four while maintaining contractual hours through the introduction of paid meal breaks, effectively increasing daily shift lengths but reducing weekly days. TfL says this offers an extra day off for operators, improves flexibility and is being trialled on the Bakerloo line on a voluntary basis. The RMT counters that the arrangement would lengthen working days to the point where fatigue could compromise safety and contends it sought a shorter 32-hour four-day week without loss of pay.
Positions from both sides
RMT leadership argues that promises to negotiate all elements of the proposals were broken when TfL signalled an intention to impose the changes after ballots rejected them. The union warns that the approach risks inflaming members and extends the dispute into the summer with more dates already planned. TfL’s operational team, represented publicly by chief operating officer Claire Mann, frames the plan as an offer that retains contractual hours and permits voluntary continuation of five-day patterns. TfL calls the strikes “completely unnecessary” and continues to appeal for both parties to return to the negotiating table to avoid further disruption.
Practical advice and what comes next
For commuters, morning routines on strike days will need adapting. TfL recommends checking the live status of services before setting out, allowing extra travel time and considering alternatives such as cycling or remote working where possible. Employers and businesses that rely on staff commuting into central areas are advised to prepare contingency plans. Meanwhile, both sides have signalled that talks remain a possibility; if fresh concessions are offered and accepted, some strike dates could be withdrawn. Until that happens, passengers should expect pick-and-choose availability across the network on the listed dates and plan journeys accordingly.
Negotiation outlook
Observers note that industrial disputes of this nature often hinge on willingness to compromise and clarity on safety implications. The RMT seeks assurances on shift length and safety, while TfL emphasises operational alignment and trialling options without cutting pay. With strike dates set through April, May and June, the coming weeks will determine whether the two sides can reach a settlement or whether further disruption will follow. Passengers and businesses will be watching closely for any breakthroughs that could avert the planned walkouts.
