RMT announces eight 24-hour Tube strikes from November to February

Time Out London reports that the RMT union has announced eight 24-hour strikes by London Underground drivers between November 2026 and February 2027. Each begins at midday. The start dates are November 26, December 17 and 19, January 4 and 6, and February 17, 23 and 25. The current period of action is set to end on February 26, 2027, though the article says more strikes could follow if no agreement is reached.

The RMT says the action is in response to plans for a "so-called voluntary" four-day working week alongside a new Trains Modernisation Framework. The union argues that drivers would give up hard-won protections whether they work four or five days, and says it is concerned about displacement from depots and "hundreds of job cuts". General secretary Eddie Dempsey said the union is not opposed to a genuine four-day week but will not accept it being used to cut jobs or erode conditions.

Finn Brennan, ASLEF's full-time organiser on London Underground, told the BBC he was surprised by the RMT's decision. He said the voluntary scheme would give drivers 35 extra days off a year and that anyone who wants a five-day week can keep one. ASLEF has not announced any strikes.

The article says the whole network is usually affected during major walkouts. The Elizabeth line, Overground and DLR are still running, and buses and National Rail offer alternatives. It also mentions e-bikes, coaches and taxis, and says the union and TfL may still reach a deal before the strikes begin. The article does not include a response from Transport for London.