Tube drivers are set to walk out on Tuesday, April 21 and Thursday, April 23, triggering 24-hour strikes that will shut down much of the London Underground network and disrupt commutes for hundreds of thousands.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) says the action is over proposed changes to working schedules that drivers argue would erode rest days and increase fatigue. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said the union had approached talks with Transport for London (TfL) in good faith but found management unwilling to concede, calling the stance “baffling” and a barrier to industrial peace.
While the strikes were initially planned for March, they were called off after progress in negotiations. However, the RMT has maintained six walkout dates through June, and with no formal peace talks scheduled as of Friday, April 18, union leaders appear prepared to proceed with the April actions to demonstrate resolve ahead of further talks.
TfL expects reduced service across most lines during the strike windows, with no service anticipated on the Piccadilly and Circle lines. The Metropolitan line will see no trains between Baker Street and Aldgate, and the Central line will be suspended between White City and Liverpool Street. Every Underground line will face some level of disruption, including delays and crowding on partial services.
Strikes run from 12pm to 12pm the following day, meaning normal service is expected until mid-morning on strike days, with disruption building after noon. On the days following — Wednesday, April 22 and Friday, April 24 — significant disruption is expected throughout the morning and afternoon, easing only by evening.
While the Underground falters, alternative transport options remain largely operational. The Overground, DLR, Elizabeth line and most bus routes will continue running, though they are likely to be significantly busier than usual. TfL advises commuters to use its journey planner before travel, as last-minute changes to bus or rail replacements are possible.
For those in east London, additional bus strikes are planned for Friday, April 25, affecting routes 8, 25, 205, 425, N8, N25 and N205, compounding travel difficulties in that area.
E-bike hire schemes such as Lime and Forest have become popular alternatives during past strikes. Forest, in particular, reported that demand during peak periods more than doubled during last year’s walkouts and expects a similar surge next week, positioning itself as a ready supplement to strained public transit.
Historically, Tube strikes are sometimes called off with less than 18 hours’ notice, as negotiations often extend to the eleventh hour. However, even if action is cancelled the night before, residual disruption can occur because trains and crew are not positioned for normal service, and TfL cannot instantly reset network logistics.
As of Sunday, April 19, the city is in the “danger zone” for the upcoming strikes, with no indication of a last-minute resolution. Commuters face a repeat of the disruption seen in earlier industrial actions, testing the resilience of London’s transport ecosystem and the willingness of both sides to return to the table.
How commuters are adapting their travel plans ahead of the strikes
Many Londoners are adjusting routines in anticipation of the walkouts, shifting to cycling, walking or adjusting work hours to avoid peak disruption. Employers in sectors with flexible policies have encouraged remote work where possible, though public-facing and shift-based roles face greater challenges.
The reliance on e-bikes and shared mobility highlights a growing trend of multimodal commuting, particularly among younger workers and those in central boroughs. Yet this shift also exposes gaps in infrastructure, as bike lanes and docking stations come under increased pressure during strike periods.
What the strike schedule means for May and June industrial action
The April walkouts are the first of six planned strike periods through June, with further action set for May 19–20, May 21–22 and June 16–19. The RMT’s strategy appears to be using the initial strikes to test TfL’s responsiveness and build momentum for sustained pressure.
If negotiations remain stalled, the frequency and duration of action could increase, raising the economic cost of lost productivity and straining public patience. Conversely, a resolution in April could set a precedent for resolving the remaining disputes without further disruption.
Will the strikes be called off at the last minute?
It is possible, as past Tube strikes have been cancelled with less than 18 hours’ notice, but as of Friday, April 18, no formal peace talks were scheduled between the RMT and TfL, making a resolution unlikely before Tuesday’s action begins.
Which transport options will remain available during the strikes?
The Overground, DLR, Elizabeth line and most bus routes will continue operating, though they are expected to be significantly busier than usual. E-bike hire schemes like Lime and Forest are also available as alternatives.
