Commuters across the UK capital faced significant disruption on Tuesday as members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union began a 24-hour strike on the London Underground, with a second day of action scheduled for Thursday.

The industrial action, which runs from 00:01 to 23:59 on both Tuesday 2 June and Thursday 4 June, follows the breakdown of talks between the union and Transport for London (TfL). Previous strike dates in May and planned actions in mid-June were called off to allow negotiations, but the union announced the new full-day walkouts after failing to secure satisfactory assurances.

Core Dispute: Safety, Fatigue, and the Four-Day WeekAt the heart of the dispute is TfL’s proposal for a voluntary compressed four-day working week for Tube drivers. The plan would condense existing hours—typically around 35–36 hours—into four longer shifts without a pay reduction. RMT members, who voted against the changes, argue that the longer shifts could increase fatigue in a safety-critical role.

“Despite our best efforts in ACAS talks, TfL have failed to provide assurances on our members’ deeply held concerns around fatigue, reduced flexibility, shift lengths and the impact these proposals could have in a safety-critical role like tube driving,” the RMT stated. “We remain available for meaningful talks, but strike action tomorrow will now go ahead.”

TfL expressed disappointment, noting it had provided assurances on the new working patterns and urging the union to reconsider the action. Only RMT-represented drivers—roughly half the total workforce—are participating, but the impact remains substantial.

TfL has confirmed major closures and widespread disruption across the London Underground network. There will be no service on the Circle and Piccadilly lines, while the Metropolitan line will have no service between Baker Street and Aldgate, and the Central line will be suspended between White City and Liverpool Street.

Partial or reduced services will run on the remaining lines, though frequencies will vary significantly. Services are expected to start late, with limited operations before 06:30, and will finish early, with passengers strongly advised to complete their journeys by 21:00. Commuters should prepare for severe delays, partial suspensions, and overcrowding on alternative routes. The Elizabeth line, London Overground, buses, and other TfL services will continue to operate but are likely to experience much higher than normal demand.

Tube drivers earn competitive salaries (often cited around £70,000–£75,000 with overtime and allowances), but the union maintains the focus is on health, safety, and sustainable working conditions rather than pay.

Early social media reports on Tuesday morning highlighted chaotic roads, overcrowded buses, and frustrated commuters, with additional incidents like an overturned vehicle on the M25 compounding travel problems.

The RMT has indicated that further action could follow if a resolution is not reached, while TfL continues to call for dialogue. Passengers are advised to check travel updates, work from home if possible, or use alternative transport for the remainder of the week.

This latest round of strikes underscores ongoing tensions in London’s transport sector as operators balance modernization, staff welfare, and reliable public service. (ILKHA)