London Underground Drivers Announce Eight Days Of Strike Action From November
London Underground drivers are set to stage eight 24-hour strikes between November and February amid a dispute over proposed working arrangements.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) announced the industrial action on November 6, saying its members were opposing plans to introduce a voluntary four-day working week alongside a new Trains Modernisation Framework. The union claims the proposals would undermine existing agreements and reduce protections for drivers, regardless of whether they chose to work four or five days a week.
The first strike is scheduled to begin at noon on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Further walkouts are planned for Thursday, December 17, and Saturday, December 19, meaning the action could affect commuters, shoppers and visitors travelling around London during the busy run-up to Christmas.
The remaining strikes are scheduled for Monday, January 4, Wednesday, January 6, Wednesday, February 17, Tuesday, February 23, and Thursday, February 25, 2027. Each action is planned to last 24 hours, beginning at midday.
The RMT says the proposed working arrangements would require drivers to spend more time operating trains and accept longer duties. It also warns that changes could mean earlier starts, later finishes and shifts being altered at short notice, making working patterns less predictable.
The union has raised concerns about the effect on existing agreements covering transfers between depots and annual leave. It argues that drivers who decide not to move to the proposed four-day arrangement could still lose protections they currently enjoy under their existing employment terms.
Another concern raised by the RMT is the possibility of drivers being moved away from their current depots. The union says employees who refuse the new framework could be placed in a flexible staffing pool, allowing management to deploy them according to operational requirements.
The union has also warned that the proposals could lead to hundreds of job losses. It points to initial rosters published for the Bakerloo line, which it says indicate significant reductions in staffing. These are concerns raised by the union rather than confirmed job cuts.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said the union was not opposed to a genuine four-day working week that improved conditions for its members. However, he argued that the current proposals would increase workloads and give management greater flexibility while weakening existing protections.
Mr Dempsey called on London Underground to withdraw the proposals and negotiate an agreement with the union. He said members were prepared to take action to defend their jobs, working conditions and the safety of the Underground network.
However, the RMT's position is not shared by all unions representing London Underground drivers. Aslef has expressed support for the proposed voluntary four-day week and criticised the decision to call further strikes.
Finn Brennan, Aslef's full-time organiser on London Underground, said the proposed arrangement could give drivers an additional 35 days off each year, with rosters based on a 34-hour working week. He said the union was discussing the final details with Transport for London and expected management to honour assurances for drivers who wished to remain on a five-day pattern.
London Underground has also said it has changed its proposals following discussions with trade unions. Nick Dent, the organisation's director of customer operations, said drivers could choose to remain on a five-day week and would be guaranteed the opportunity to stay at their existing depot.
Mr Dent said the revised arrangements would give staff a meaningful choice over their working pattern while helping deliver a more efficient and reliable service for passengers. He urged the RMT to put the updated proposal to its members rather than proceed with industrial action.
The planned walkouts could create particular difficulties for London's hospitality, retail and tourism businesses during the Christmas trading period. Business representatives have warned that disruption could affect shoppers and visitors who rely on the Underground to travel around the capital.
The full impact on services has not yet been confirmed. National Rail has advised passengers that the industrial action is expected to affect London Underground services on November 26 and 27, with further disruption possible on the additional strike dates. Travellers are being advised to check journey information before setting out.
The dispute now leaves both sides facing pressure to reach an agreement before the first planned walkout. With action scheduled across the festive period and into February, negotiations will be important in determining whether the strikes go ahead as announced or can be avoided.
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