London is braced for severe travel disruption as the RMT union has announced a major 48-hour strike on the London Underground network, set to bring the capital's Tube system to a standstill.
The industrial action, involving thousands of station staff, is scheduled to begin on Monday, 3rd June at 00:01 and will continue until Wednesday, 5th June at 23:59.
Why Are Tube Workers Striking?
The dispute centres on longstanding issues regarding working conditions and safety protocols. The RMT union has accused Transport for London (TfL) of failing to address serious concerns, including the imposition of new working patterns and what the union describes as "a full-scale attack on agreed procedures, conditions of service, and accepted working practices."
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch stated: "Our members are resolute in their determination to see a just settlement. TfL must withdraw these detrimental proposals and engage in meaningful negotiations to avoid widespread disruption."
Which London Underground Lines Will Be Affected?
The strike action will primarily impact station staff, meaning the operation of trains themselves could be severely limited or halted altogether. Passengers are advised to expect the following:
- Severely reduced service across the entire network
- Station closures at short notice
- No service on many lines, particularly those that are not automated
- Extremely crowded conditions on any services that do run
While the full impact will be confirmed closer to the dates, travellers should anticipate a level of disruption similar to previous RMT strikes, which have effectively shut down large portions of the network.
What Are the Alternative Travel Options?
Commuters are being urged to work from home if possible. For those who must travel, the following alternatives are expected to be extremely busy:
- London Overground services
- Elizabeth line
- DLR (Docklands Light Railway)
- London Bus services
- Cycling and walking routes
TfL is expected to provide detailed travel advice in the coming days, but passengers should prepare for significant journey delays and allow substantial extra time.
This strike action represents the latest chapter in an ongoing dispute between the RMT and TfL, highlighting the continued tension over working conditions on the world's oldest underground railway network.
