London Underground Strikes Threaten Christmas Travel Disruption as Drivers Announce Eight Walkouts

RMT union plans eight 24-hour strikes over 16 days, including six in the run-up to Christmas, amid a dispute over a proposed four-day working week

London commuters and shoppers could face significant travel disruption in the run-up to Christmas after train drivers represented by the RMT union announced eight 24-hour strikes on the London Underground over a 16-day period.

The planned industrial action includes six strikes in the lead-up to Christmas, raising concerns about reduced Tube services during one of the busiest periods of the year. The walkouts are scheduled to begin at noon on 26 November, with further action planned in December, January and February.

The dispute centres on London Underground proposals to introduce a voluntary four-day working week for drivers. While the proposal has been welcomed by the majority of drivers represented by the Aslef union, the RMT has raised concerns about its potential impact on existing working arrangements.

Two of the planned strikes are scheduled for 17 and 19 December, potentially affecting travel during the final major shopping weekend before Christmas.

The action is expected to create difficulties for people travelling across the capital for work, shopping and seasonal events. Reduced Tube services could also affect businesses that depend on customers and staff travelling into central London.

Previous industrial action earlier in the year caused widespread disruption across the network, although trains continued to operate on most lines.

The RMT says it has not received sufficient guarantees that drivers who prefer their existing five-day working arrangements will be allowed to retain them.

The union argues that the proposed changes could undermine established agreements, extend driving hours and create longer, less predictable shifts.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey accused London Underground of presenting changes to drivers’ working conditions as a voluntary four-day week. He said members were concerned about spending more time driving trains and losing protections secured through previous agreements.

The announced programme includes further 24-hour walkouts in early January and additional action in February. The scale of the disruption will depend on how the dispute develops and the level of Tube services available during each strike period.

London Underground drivers represented by Aslef have largely welcomed the four-day-week proposal, highlighting differences between the two unions over the proposed working arrangements.

Passengers are advised to follow Transport for London announcements and check travel information before making journeys during the planned strike dates.

The dispute puts pressure on London’s transport network at a particularly busy time of year, with commuters, shoppers and businesses facing uncertainty over Christmas travel.