RMT announces series of London Underground driver strikes running to February
The RMT union has announced 24-hour strikes by London Underground drivers. The first is due on 26 November 2026, with more in December, January and February. The dispute is over a four-day working week.
Author: Thames Compass editorial teamPublished: Region: London2 min read
Contents
The RMT union has announced a series of 24-hour strikes by London Underground drivers. The action is part of a long-running dispute over working conditions.
Strike dates
According to the Polish Express website, the first strike is due on 26 November 2026. Further strikes are planned for 17 and 19 December 2026, 4 and 6 January 2027, and 17, 23 and 25 February 2027. That makes eight days of action in total, running to the end of February.
What the dispute is about
The dispute centres on a proposal to introduce a four-day working week for drivers. According to Transport for London (TfL), the system would be voluntary. For most drivers the working week would be cut from 36 to 35 hours. Contracted hours would stay the same, because paid meal breaks would be introduced. TfL argues this would mean fewer hours worked overall, although drivers would work longer days.
RMT sees it differently. The union says drivers would spend more time at the controls and have longer working days. It is demanding a four-day week of 32 hours, which is three hours shorter, with no change in pay.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said London Underground is presenting a wide-ranging attack on working conditions as a voluntary programme. In his view, those who refuse to take part risk being moved to a different depot. He also said drivers would have to give up protections negotiated earlier.
Earlier strikes
Polish Express recalls that in spring 2026 similar strikes over the same issue seriously disrupted the Underground. Some lines were closed completely at the time.
What this means for you
People who use the Tube to get to work should expect possible disruption on strike days. This applies especially to 17 and 19 December, just before Christmas, when many people travel to airports and stations. The scale of disruption depends on how many drivers join the strike. Before travelling, check the latest TfL updates and consider alternative routes, such as buses.
Sources
This article was prepared with the help of AI from the listed sources and checked by our editors before publication.
Photos
- Cover: „baker street tube, tube station, london tube, train, underground”, author: TheOtherKev, licence Pixabay Content License; cropped or resized.
- Photo 1: „passenger, train station, commuter, railway, railway system”, author: vlrondon, licence Pixabay Content License; cropped or resized.
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