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

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has announced eight 24-hour strikes by drivers on the London Underground, spread across 16 days between November 2026 and February 2027. Each strike starts at midday and ends at midday the next day.

The start dates are Thursday 26 November, Thursday 17 December, Saturday 19 December, Monday 4 January, Wednesday 6 January, Wednesday 17 February, Tuesday 23 February and Thursday 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 other main drivers' union, ASLEF, has not announced any strikes.

The RMT says the action is over plans for a "so-called voluntary four-day working week" alongside a new Trains Modernisation Framework. It argues drivers would lose existing protections whether they work four or five days, and says it is concerned the plans could lead to job cuts. General secretary Eddie Dempsey called on London Underground to withdraw the proposals.

Nick Dent, London Underground's director of customer operations, said the change would give staff a real choice of working pattern without having to move depots, and would mean less time at work for drivers. ASLEF organiser Finn Brennan said the voluntary scheme would give drivers 35 extra days off a year, and that anyone who prefers a five-day week could keep it.

During strikes the whole Tube network can be affected. The Elizabeth line, Overground and DLR are still running, and buses and National Rail offer alternatives. No Overground, Elizabeth line or Eurostar strikes are currently planned.