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Since last September’s hugely disruptive tube strikes, London’s rail network hasn’t been entirely strike-free, but it hasn’t seen major disruption. Industrial action on the Overground and at the Piccadilly depot caused some bother, but not much – alas, now that period of relative calm is coming to an end.
After a majority of RMT union members voted in favour of action last week, strikes have been called for the London Underground. The strikes will take place on six days spread across March, April and May, with the first walk-outs kicking off on March 24. The industrial action follows what the RMT says is the introduction of a ‘compressed four-day working week’ for tube drivers.
Worried about strikes hitting the capital once again? Here’s everything you need to know.
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When are the next London tube strikes?
Tube drivers will walk out on the following dates, each a 24-hour period:
- March 24-25 (12pm to 11.59am)
- March 26-27 (12pm to 11.59am)
- April 21-22 (12pm to 11.59am)
- April 23-24 (12pm to 11.59am)
- May 19-20 (12pm to 11.59am)
- May 21-22 (12pm to 11.59am)
Which services will be affected by the strikes?
Exactly which tube services will be impacted by the action (or how badly) is yet to be revealed. Drivers belonging to ASLEF are not striking, and neither are non-driver RMT union members.
How to get around London during a strike
When the tube is down, bus and National Rail services will offer alternative routes across the city. As we found in the September strikes, e-bike hire schemes prove particularly popular during periods of industrial action.
How long will the London train strikes last?
The strikes will last three months, during which there will be six days of striking. The strikes could come to an end sooner if an agreement is reached between the RMT and TfL.
Why are there new train strikes?
The RMT says that the strikes are down to introduction of a compressed four-day working week for tube drivers. The union says that bosses are planning to compress a normal working week into four days, raising concerns about shift lengths, working time arrangements and the ‘potential impact on fatigue and safety’.
What have union and rail bosses said about the strikes?
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: ‘London Underground is trying to force through major changes to working patterns that have already been rejected by our members.
‘We are clear that these proposals raise serious concerns around fatigue, safety and work-life balance.
‘Despite our best efforts over many months, no satisfactory outcome has been reached so we have no choice but to call strike dates.
‘There is still time for London Underground to come up with a workable solution but we will take strike action if we cannot get a negotiated settlement.’
TfL is yet to publicly comment on the strikes.
When are the next London Overground strikes?
Overground staff are also walking out on the the Windrush line, which runs from Highbury and Islington to Clapham Junction, West Croydon and Crystal Palace. There are two dates to watch out for:
- Thursday March 26
- Thursday April 23
On a previous RMT Windrush line strike in February, TfL ran a normal service.
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
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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