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London is bracing for another week of strikes on the tube. Starting next Tuesday (May 19), London Underground drivers who are in the RMT union will walk out in two 24-hour strikes spread across four days.
The drivers are protesting TfL’s plans to implement a four-day working week. The RMT says that, under the plans, staff will work a five-day week’s worth of hours in four days, increasing fatigue and compromising safety. TfL insists that the proposals are voluntary.
On strike days, Londoners can expect severe disruption across the tube network. But what about the Overground? Find everything you need to know about the trusty formerly-orange network below.
May 2026 Tube Strikes: How to get around London during RMT industrial action.
When are the May 2026 tube strikes?
There are two periods of industrial action on the tube in May:
- May 19-20 (12pm to 11.59am)
- May 21-22 (12pm to 11.59am)
Following that, there will be two more strikes to watch out for in June:
- June 16-17 (12pm to 11.59am)
- June 18-19 (12pm to 11.59am)
Will the Underground strikes affect the Overground?
The entire Overground network is expected to be running as usual during the strikes.
However, it may be much busier, with reduced interchange access at tube stops.
Full list of London Overground lines
Here are all the Overground lines you’ll be able to take during the walk-outs.
- Liberty line
- Lioness line
- Mildmay line
- Suffragette line
- Weaver line
- Windrush line
How long will the industrial action last?
This current period of strikes is set to last until June 19 2026. Of course, it could all come to an end sooner if TfL and RMT come to an agreement.
On the other hand, should the two sides not find a compromise more strikes could be called over the summer.
Is the Elizabeth line running during the strikes?
Like the Overground, Elizabeth line drivers are not walking out this month. You can find out all about the status of the Elizabeth line during the industrial action here.
Will trains and buses be disrupted?
The Overground and Elizabeth line aside, trams, buses and the DLR are all expected to be running as normal. National Rail services also should not be impacted – bar, of course, all of these services being more crowded than usual.
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