London Tube drivers to strike May 19-22

Transport for London said on May 14 that planned strike action by some London Underground train drivers is due to affect Tube services between May 19 and May 22. The dispute centers on TfL’s proposal for a voluntary four-day working week for drivers, which the RMT union says raises concerns about fatigue, safety, transfers and working arrangements. The RMT announced the May stoppages in March as part of a wider campaign of six 24-hour strikes across March, April and May. The latest action would begin at midday on Tuesday, May 19, and resume for a second 24-hour period from midday on Thursday, May 21, according to the union. ### When exactly are drivers due to walk out? The RMT said the May action is scheduled in two 24-hour blocks: from 12:00 p.m. on May 19 to 11:59 a.m. on May 20, and from 12:00 p.m. on May 21 to 11:59 a.m. on May 22. Those dates match the timetable set out in the union’s March 10 notice. Time Out reported on May 14 that the two stoppages amount to disruption spread across four calendar days, following earlier walkouts in April. (rmt.org.uk) It also listed two further 24-hour strike periods in June, on June 16-17 and June 18-19. ### What is the dispute over? (rmt.org.uk) RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said on March 10 that London Underground was “trying to force through major changes to working patterns” that members had rejected. The union said drivers had concerns about shift lengths, working-time arrangements, transfer and allocation processes, and the potential impact on fatigue and safety. (timeout.com) TfL chief operating officer Claire Mann said on May 14 that the four-day week proposal is “designed to improve work-life balance” and is “entirely voluntary.” TfL said the dispute relates to objections to drivers being allowed to work that pattern, and said some of the union’s concerns could be addressed through further detailed work with TfL and other trade unions. (rmt.org.uk) ### Didn’t another union back the four-day week? ASLEF said on April 10, 2025 that its London Underground members had voted in favor of a four-day week proposal by 70% on an 80% turnout. The union said the proposal would deliver 34-hour-a-week rosters, an extra day off every week and 4½ fewer hours at work each week. (tfl.gov.uk) The difference between the unions is central to the dispute. ASLEF, which represents many Tube drivers, backed the proposal, while RMT said its own members had rejected the plan and wanted changes to the terms being implemented. That split is reflected in TfL’s description of the strike as action by “some London Underground train drivers,” rather than the whole driving workforce. (aslef.org.uk) ### Which lines are expected to be hit hardest? TfL said on May 14 that service is expected on most Tube lines, but all lines are likely to face some disruption. It said no service is expected on the Circle line, the Piccadilly line, the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate, and the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street. (rmt.org.uk) On Tuesday, May 19, and Thursday, May 21, TfL said normal services are expected until mid-morning before trains begin reducing and finish earlier than normal. On Wednesday, May 20, and Friday, May 22, it said disruption is expected in the morning, with services starting later than normal before increasing from midday. (tfl.gov.uk) Time Out said the Elizabeth line, Docklands Light Railway, London Overground and most buses are expected to run as normal, though they are likely to be busier than usual. TfL also directed passengers to its journey planner and TfL Go app for real-time updates. (tfl.gov.uk) ### Could the strikes still be called off? The Guardian reported on May 15 that hopes had grown for the stoppages to be called off after sources said the RMT was seeking talks. TfL said on May 14 that “it is not too late” for the union to withdraw the action. For now, the next firm dates remain May 19-22, with further RMT action listed for June 16-19 in the union’s strike schedule. (timeout.com) TfL said customers should check before traveling, and the union’s March 10 notice remains the formal source for the announced walkouts. (rmt.org.uk) (theguardian.com)