TFL Tube Strike: When does it start, when does it end, strike dates in May, how much does a tube driver earn?
In March 2026, RMT announced a strike on London Underground.
Londoners should be prepared for major disruption in the coming days as tube strikes are set to begin. On April 16, TFL released a press release about the forthcoming strike dates and part of the release read: “TfL put forward a proposal to its trade unions for a four-day working week for train operators in March 2025, which is similar to the working patterns offered by most other train operating companies. Since then, TfL has been engaging with the unions on how best to introduce the new working pattern including a pilot for train drivers on the Bakerloo line only.
“The changes to working patterns would be voluntary, with no reduction in contractual hours and those who wish to continue working a five-day week pattern would be able to do so. The changes would help TfL to improve reliability and enable a modern and efficient service while creating no additional cost.”
Claire Mann, TFL’s Chief Operating Officer said: “We have set out proposals to the RMT for a four-day working week. This allows us to offer train operators an additional day off, whilst at the same time bringing London Underground in line with the working patterns of other train operating companies, improving reliability and flexibility at no additional cost.
“The changes would be voluntary, there would be no reduction in contractual hours and those who wish to continue a five-day working week pattern would be able to do so. We urge the RMT to call off this action, which will disrupt Londoners, and continue to engage with us. If this strike action goes ahead, customers should check before they travel as on some days during the strike, there will be significant disruption and the level of service we can provide will vary across lines.”
On March 10, RMT released a press release which read: “RMT has announced strike action on London Underground over the introduction of a compressed four-day working week on tube drivers.
“London Underground (LU) bosses are pushing ahead with a plan to compress a normal working week into four days despite the proposals being rejected by a majority of Train Operators in e-referendums.
“Members have concerns about shift lengths, unacceptable working time arrangements, transfer and allocation processes, and the potential impact on fatigue and safety.
“Union representatives have attempted to resolve the situation over several months but LU have refused to negotiate, pushing ahead with the unpopular plan without an agreement with RMT.
When are the tube strikes?
The tube strikes are taking place on 21–22 April (12:00pm Tuesday to 11:59am Wednesday) and 23–24 April (12:00pm Thursday to 11:59am Friday).
When are the tube strikes in May?
At the time of writing, the tube strikes in May are set to take place on 19–20 May (12:00pm Tuesday to 11:59am Wednesday) and 21–22 May (12:00pm Thursday to 11:59am Friday).
According to TFL, the strikes will result in the following:
- “A reduced service will run across most lines but significant disruption is expected
- “Any services that do run will be less frequent, very busy, and you may not be able to board the first train
- “No service expected on the Piccadilly and Circle lines
- “No service expected on the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate
- “No service expected on the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street.”
According to reports, the salary for a Train Operator role for 2024/25 was £71,160