RMT announces eight 24-hour Tube strikes through February 2027

Time Out London reports that the RMT union has announced eight 24-hour strikes on the London Underground between November 2026 and February 2027. Each strike starts at midday on the first date and ends at midday the next day. The start dates are 26 November, 17 and 19 December, 4 and 6 January, and 17, 23 and 25 February. The current period of action is set to end on 26 February 2027, though more strikes could be called if no agreement is reached.

The RMT says the dispute is over plans for a "so-called voluntary" four-day working week alongside a new Trains Modernisation Framework. The union argues drivers would give up protections whatever their working pattern, face more time driving, earlier starts and later finishes, and could be moved from their depots. It also says it is concerned the plans could pave the way for job cuts. General secretary Eddie Dempsey said the union is not opposed to a genuine four-day week.

London Underground's Nick Dent said the plan would give staff a real choice of working pattern without having to change where they work, and would mean less time at work for drivers. Finn Brennan of the drivers' union ASLEF, which has not announced any strikes, said he was surprised by the RMT's action. He said the voluntary scheme would give drivers 35 extra days off a year, and that management had agreed anyone preferring a five-day week could keep it.

The article says the whole Tube network is usually affected during major strikes, though not every line is always shut. The Elizabeth line, Overground and DLR are expected to keep running, and Eurostar is not expected to be affected. It notes the RMT called off strikes earlier in the summer, and that a deal with TfL could still be reached before the action begins.