London Tube services face five days of RMT strike action from 7 September
RMT union members have announced a five-day strike across London Underground services following a deadlocked dispute over pay and a proposed four-day week.
London Tube services face five days of RMT strike action from 7 September 2025, as a long-running dispute over working conditions and pay remains deadlocked. The industrial action, which is scheduled to run from midnight on Sunday, 7 September, until 11:59 p.m. On Thursday, 11 September, threatens to bring the capital’s transport network to a near-standstill.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union members voted for the walkout following nine months of failed negotiations with Transport for London. Central to the conflict is a disagreement over the introduction of a new, voluntary four-day working week. The RMT has expressed concerns regarding the impact on shift lengths, fatigue management, and overall safety for drivers. A union spokesperson stated that Transport for London has failed to provide assurances on deeply held concerns around fatigue, reduced flexibility, shift lengths and the impact these proposals could have in a safety-critical role like Tube driving.
Media additions
The authority, however, maintains that the four-day week proposal is neither practical nor affordable. Claire Mann, Chief Operating Officer, stated:
Mann further noted that the authority has offered a 3.4 per cent pay increase, which aligns with recent deals accepted across the rail industry, but argued that a reduction in the contractual 35-hour week is not feasible."We are disappointed that the RMT union has announced strike action."
Claire Mann, Chief Operating Officer, via TfL
The impact of the strike is expected to be extensive. During the disruption, the DLR is set for a shutdown on 9 September and 11 September. While the Elizabeth line, London Overground, and buses are scheduled to run, they are likely to face severe overcrowding as displaced commuters seek alternative routes. Transport for London has advised the public to plan their journeys well in advance, travel during off-peak hours if possible, and consider walking or cycling.
The disruption has forced the rescheduling of major events. Coldplay was forced to move two of their Wembley Stadium shows. The band stated:
"Without a Tube service, it’s impossible to get 82,000 people to the concert and home again safely, and therefore no event licence can be granted."
Coldplay, via Uknewsblog
The dispute has created a sharp divide in perspectives. Transport for London has urged the union to put the current pay offer to its members and call off the action to prevent further harm to the city's businesses and commuters. The situation remains fluid, with normal service not expected to fully resume until late morning on Friday, 12 September. Commuters are advised to remain flexible as the city braces for significant transport disruption.
Transport impact summary
| Service | Expected Status |
|---|---|
| London Underground | Severe disruption; little to no service 8–11 September. |
| DLR | No service on 9 and 11 September. |
| Elizabeth Line | Operating but likely to be extremely busy. |
| Buses | Operating but high demand expected. |
What to watch next
- Negotiation progress: While talks via the conciliation service Acas have previously stalled, both parties remain under pressure to find a resolution to avoid further rolling strikes.
- Service capacity: As the week progresses, monitors will observe how alternative transit modes, including the Elizabeth line and buses, handle the surge in passenger numbers.
- Future action: If the current dispute over shift patterns and pay is not resolved, the RMT has not ruled out the possibility of announcing further industrial action.
