RMT Announces London Underground Drivers' Strike
Six rounds of disruption planned over four-day week plan
RMT generally represents rail staff other than drivers
March 10, 2026
Tube services across London are set to face significant disruption this spring as the RMT union announces a series of strike dates in protest at London Underground’s plan to introduce a compressed four-day working week for train drivers. The industrial action, which is scheduled to begin later this month, is expected to affect multiple lines and cause delays for passengers across the capital.
The dispute centres on proposals by London Underground to restructure driver schedules, compressing the standard working week into four longer shifts. The plan has been rejected by a majority of train operators who are members of the RMT in internal e-referendums, with union members raising concerns about fatigue, safety, shift lengths and the fairness of transfer and allocation processes.
RMT says it has spent months attempting to negotiate with London Underground, but claims that management has refused to engage meaningfully and is pressing ahead with the changes without union agreement. The union has now confirmed six separate 24-hour strike periods, each beginning at midday and ending at 11:59am the following day.
The confirmed strike dates are:
- 24–25 March
- 26–27 March
- 21–22 April
- 23–24 April
- 19–20 May
- 21–22 May
In addition to the walkouts, RMT members have been instructed not to use any company-issued electronic devices, including iPads, from 21 March until further notice.
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.”
He added that there is still time for London Underground to come forward with a workable solution, but warned that strike action would go ahead if no negotiated settlement is reached.
The impact on services is expected to be widespread, with reduced train frequencies, station closures and longer journey times likely on strike days. TfL has not yet published a full contingency plan, but passengers are being advised to check before they travel and consider alternative routes, including buses, cycling and walking.
ASLEF — the union representing the majority of London Underground drivers — has opted not to join the strike. While ASLEF shares some of the concerns raised by RMT, it has chosen to continue discussions with London Underground and has not declared a formal dispute. This decision means that some services may still operate on strike days, depending on staffing levels and line-specific arrangements.
The proposed four-day week is part of a wider effort by London Underground to modernise working practices and improve efficiency. However, the plan has proved controversial, with unions warning that longer shifts could compromise safety and undermine the wellbeing of staff.
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