London Overground Strikes Announced for 2026: Full Schedule and Impact Details
London's rail network, which has enjoyed a period of relative industrial peace since last September's tube strikes, is set to face renewed disruption as the RMT union has announced coordinated strike action on the Overground system. The industrial action will unfold across three separate days in February, March and April 2026, primarily affecting signallers and telecom staff who are embroiled in a pay and conditions dispute with a Transport for London subcontractor.
Confirmed Strike Dates and Targeted Services
The RMT has confirmed that Overground staff will walk out on the following three Thursdays:
- Thursday 26 February 2026
- Thursday 26 March 2026
- Thursday 23 April 2026
This industrial action will specifically impact only one Overground line: the Windrush line, which operates between Highbury & Islington and destinations including Clapham Junction, West Croydon and Crystal Palace. Importantly, London's tube network, including the Elizabeth line, is not expected to be directly affected by these strikes, though some interchange stations may experience crowding or restricted access.
Root Causes of the Industrial Dispute
The strikes have been called following what the RMT describes as an unsatisfactory pay offer from subcontractor Cleshar CS Ltd. Key issues cited by the union include a proposed pay rise of just 1.5 percent, which falls significantly below current inflation rates, alongside disputes over overtime payments, annual leave entitlements and overall terms and conditions that union representatives claim are inferior to those offered by previous contractors.
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey stated: 'Our members have been insulted with such a derisory offer and have no choice but to take strike action. This company is highly profitable and can afford a decent offer for these safety-critical workers. Strike action would be disruptive and our members do not want to inconvenience passengers. But the company has a duty to pay our people properly and we will continue our campaign until we reach a negotiated settlement.'
Alternative Travel Options During Strikes
When the Windrush line is not operating due to strike action, passengers are advised to consider the following alternative transport options:
- Utilise bus services that cover similar routes across affected areas
- Switch to unaffected tube lines or National Rail services
- Consider coach services from companies like National Express
- Plan for potentially heavier road traffic if opting for taxis or private vehicles
Notably, airport access should remain largely unaffected, as travellers can typically use alternative rail services like the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express to reach Heathrow, or other non-striking transport options for London's other airports.
Official Responses and Potential Duration
A Transport for London spokesperson commented: 'We urge the RMT and Cleshar CS Ltd to work together to resolve this dispute over pay and conditions. We are assessing the impact of potential strike action and are putting plans in place to help minimise any disruption for our customers.'
The strikes are currently scheduled to span three months, though the RMT has indicated that further industrial action may be called if a satisfactory agreement is not reached between the union and the subcontractor. This development marks a return to transport disruptions that London had largely avoided since the extensive tube strikes of September 2025.
