London Tube workers strike, disrupting services

London's transport network ground to a halt on Tuesday as Tube workers launched the first of two planned 24-hour strikes. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union walked out, disrupting commutes for thousands and leading to the closure of multiple lines.

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Despite our best efforts in negotiations with Acas, TfL has failed to provide assurances on our members’ deep concerns over fatigue, reduced flexibility, shift length and the potential impact of these proposals on safety-critical roles such as a Tube train driver. We remain ready for constructive talks, but the strike will go ahead tomorrow regardless.

The strike, which began Tuesday morning, stems from an unresolved dispute over a proposed four-day work week. Despite five hours of mediated talks on Monday, the RMT and Transport for London (TfL) failed to reach an agreement. The union expressed concerns about fatigue, reduced flexibility, and the impact on safety-critical roles like train operators.

TfL warned passengers that the Circle and Piccadilly lines would be entirely closed, along with sections of the Metropolitan and Central lines. While other lines were expected to operate with disruptions, services were limited before 6:30 a.m. and passengers were advised to complete journeys by 9 p.m. The RMT has announced further strike action for Thursday, with normal service expected on Wednesday and Friday.

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We are very sorry that despite five hours of meetings with the RMT with Acas facilitating and repeated assurances that the four-day week proposals would remain voluntary, the RMT has decided to proceed with its strikes which are disrupting services. We will do everything we can to keep as many services running as possible during these strikes.

A spokesperson for the Mayor of London lamented the disruption, urging both TfL and the RMT to return to the negotiating table to find a resolution and prevent further chaos in the city. Commuters also faced inconvenience due to separate disruptions on South Western Railway services on Tuesday morning.

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Nobody wants strikes – they have a serious impact on Londoners, businesses and passengers. The Mayor continues to urge RMT and TfL to go back to the negotiating table and resolve this issue so we can avoid further disruption and keep London moving.