The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) plans two separate 24-hour strikes on the London Underground, starting at midday on May 19 and May 21, continuing through to midday May 20 and May 22 respectively [1, 2, 3]. The strikes will last four days in total and are set to cause severe disruption, especially on the Piccadilly, Circle, Metropolitan, and Central lines, with some services suspended [1, 2, 3].
Other transport modes including the Elizabeth line, London Overground, buses, trams, and the Docklands Light Railway will continue running but face severe overcrowding due to the strike [1, 3].
The dispute stems from Transport for London's proposal to introduce a voluntary four-day working week for Tube drivers. The plan would mean longer shifts across fewer days, which TfL says drivers can choose to accept or remain on the five-day schedule [1, 2].
However, RMT opposes the scheme, citing safety and fatigue concerns along with worsened working conditions. The union says negotiations have failed to resolve the issue, leading to strike action [1, 2]. In contrast, the ASLEF train drivers union has accepted the four-day week deal, creating a split among the Tube unions [1, 2]. ASLEF’s agreement offers drivers up to 35 additional days off per year [2].
Claire Mann, TfL Chief Operating Officer, described the strike as “disappointing” while an ASLEF spokesperson called it “the first strike in the history of the trade union movement designed to stop people having a shorter working week and more time off” [1, 2].
The first 24-hour strike period will begin at midday on May 19, ending at midday May 20, followed by the second from midday May 21 to midday May 22 [1, 3]. Commuters should expect major service interruptions on strike days and increased crowding on alternative transport.
The RMT strikes are currently scheduled only for these two days, with no resolution reported to end the dispute.
