RMT Announces Eight London Underground Strikes Over Four-Day Week

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union announced eight 24-hour strikes by London Underground drivers starting November 26, 2026, and continuing through February 25, 2027. The industrial action protests a proposed four-day working week, which the union characterizes as a "wholesale attack on drivers’ working conditions." RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey argues the scheme forces drivers to accept longer, more unpredictable shifts and surrender long-negotiated protections, while the union demands a 32-hour week for the same salary.

Transport for London and the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen maintain the plan is voluntary. They state the proposal offers drivers an additional 35 days off per year based on a 34-hour week in exchange for moving to electronic booking systems and other condition changes. Finn Brennan of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen criticized the strike as an attempt to block drivers from having more time off.

Scheduled strike dates include November 26, December 17 and 19, January 4 and 6, and February 17, 23 and 25. The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry warned that disrupting the transport network during the Christmas and New Year periods risks costing businesses valuable revenue and deterring festive visitors.