A 24-hour strike by London Underground drivers has begun, causing severe disruption to tube services and road traffic. About half of the capital's tube drivers, represented by the RMT union, are taking part in the action over a dispute regarding the introduction of a four-day working week.
The strike, which started at 00:01 on Tuesday, follows failed last-minute negotiations at Acas between the RMT and Transport for London (TfL). A second 24-hour strike is planned for Thursday, threatening further travel chaos. Hopes of a resolution had risen after a threatened strike in May was suspended.
TfL urged passengers to check before travelling, with approximately half of tube services expected to run. Severe delays were reported on the Bakerloo, District, Hammersmith and City, Victoria, Piccadilly and Northern lines. However, services on the Elizabeth line, London Overground and Docklands Light Railway ran normally, while buses operated but were congested due to increased traffic.
Drivers from the Aslef union, who represent a slight majority of tube drivers, have accepted the four-day week proposals and are not striking, limiting the strike's impact. The RMT criticised TfL for failing to address concerns over fatigue, flexibility and shift lengths in a safety-critical role. A TfL spokesperson expressed disappointment, stating the four-day week proposals were voluntary and designed to improve work-life balance.
Business groups warned that the strike threat had already led to cancelled bookings and altered plans. Ed Richardson of BusinessLDN urged both sides to reach a sustainable agreement to end the uncertainty affecting London's economy.
