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Since last September’s tube strikes London’s rail network has been blissfully strike-free. That’s set to come to an end next month, as industrial action has been announced by the RMT union for the Overground.
The strikes will take place on three days spread across February, March and April. Signallers and telecom staff are walking out, blaming a pay and conditions dispute with a TfL subcontractor.
Worried about strikes hitting the capital once again? Here’s everything you need to know.
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When are the next London train strikes?
Overground staff will walk out on the following three dates:
- Thursday February 26
- Thursday March 26
- Thursday April 23
Which services will be affected by the strikes?
Only one Overground line is set to be impacted: the Windrush line, which runs from Highbury and Islington to Clapham Junction, West Croydon and Crystal Palace.
When are the next tube strikes?
There are no strikes currently planned for London’s tube network.
How to get around London during a strike
When the Windrush line is down, bus, tube and National Rail services will offer alternative routes across the city.
How long will the London train strikes last?
The strikes are set to last three months, though more may be called if an agreement isn’t reached between the RMT and subcontractor Cleshar CS Ltd.
Which Underground lines are affected by strikes?
The tube network is not expected to be impacted by the upcoming strikes. Some lines may be busier than usual, and interchange access at stations such as Highbury & Islington, Whitechapel and Canada Water may be restricted.
Why are there new train strikes?
The RMT says that the strikes are down to issues including a below-inflation pay rise (of 1.5 percent), overtime and annual leave pay and unsatisfactory terms and conditions compared to the previous contractor.
What have union and rail bosses said about the strikes?
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: ‘Our members have been insulted with such a derisory offer and have no choice but to take strike action. This company is highly profitable and can afford a decent offer for these safety-critical workers.
‘Strike action would be disruptive and our members do not want to inconvenience passengers. But the company has a duty to pay our people properly and we will continue our campaign until we reach a negotiated settlement.’
A TfL spokesperson said: ‘We urge the RMT and Cleshar CS Ltd to work together to resolve this dispute over pay and conditions. We are assessing the impact of potential strike action and are putting plans in place to help minimise any disruption for our customers.’
Will strikes affect the Eurostar?
Eurostar is not expected to be affected by any strike action.
Will the Elizabeth line be on strike?
No Elizabeth line strikes are currently planned.
How to get to London airports during strikes
The Windrush line strikes shouldn’t impact your ability to get to any London airports.
Tubes and trains are rarely on strike at the same time, so travellers can usually get the other, non-striking one to the airport. For example, if you plan on using the on-strike Piccadilly line to get to Heathrow, you can always use the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express.
Coaches frequently run from central and outer London areas by the likes of National Express. All airports are also, obvs, all accessible by road – whether you’d like to drive or get a taxi. Expect potentially higher levels of traffic during strike days.
Timeline of previous London tube strikes
Here’s a lowdown of all the tube strikes that have been called in the last few years.
- June 6-7 2022
- June 21-22 2022
- August 19-20 2022
- November 10-11 2022
- November 25 2022
- March 15-18 2023
- January 5-11 2024 (strike called off)
- September 5-12 2025
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