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Commuters and shoppers face disruption from tube driver strikes in run-up to Christmas
RMT members who drive trains on the London Underground have called eight 24-hour strikes over 16 days, including six in the run-up to Christmas. The action could disrupt travel and shopping in the capital, particularly during the final shopping weekend before Christmas.
The first strike is due to begin at noon on 26 November, with further walkouts including 17 and 19 December, followed by two in early January and more in February. The RMT opposes TfL’s proposed voluntary four-day week, saying it could mean longer, less predictable shifts and weaken existing agreements; it says it has not received guarantees that drivers can keep five-day arrangements. Aslef, the other main drivers’ union, has welcomed the proposal, while earlier strikes in April and June caused major disruption, though trains ran on most lines.
In short
- RMT drivers have called eight 24-hour strikes over 16 days.
- Six walkouts are scheduled before Christmas, including 17 and 19 December.
- The dispute centres on TfL’s proposed voluntary four-day working week.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The RMT can argue that a shorter working week is not a genuine improvement if it brings longer or less predictable shifts, and that drivers need firm guarantees before established five-day arrangements are changed. Strikes are a way for members to press for those protections when they believe negotiations have not secured them, even though the timing may inconvenience passengers and businesses.
The case against
TfL can argue that a voluntary four-day week may offer drivers a more attractive working pattern while helping the Underground operate effectively, provided the arrangements are workable. Aslef’s support suggests the proposal may be acceptable to drivers, and repeated walkouts risk disrupting commuters and the final Christmas shopping weekend before the details have been fully resolved.