Tube drivers are heading to the picket line once again this week in an ongoing row over working hours. RMT members are walking out over two 24-hour periods between Tuesday, May 19 and Friday, May 22, impacting services across the network.
When Are the May Tube Strikes?
The industrial action consists of two 24-hour walkouts starting at 12pm on Tuesday, May 19 and 12pm on Thursday, May 21. Disruption is expected to begin mid-morning on strike days, with services reducing ahead of the walkouts. On the following days (Wednesday, May 20 and Friday, May 22), services will start later than normal and gradually return to normal by evening.
Which Lines Are Affected?
The entire Tube network will experience suspensions and severe delays. The Circle and Piccadilly lines are expected to have no service, while the Metropolitan line will not run between Baker Street and Aldgate. The Central line will have no service between White City and Liverpool Street. Other lines will run but with reduced frequency and severe delays. The Elizabeth line, DLR, London Overground, buses, and Trams will run as normal but are expected to be busier.
Why Are Drivers Striking?
The RMT union opposes TfL's proposal to introduce a condensed four-day working week. TfL wants to change the current 36-hour pattern spread over five days to 35 hours over four days, with one less unpaid lunch break. RMT is pushing for a 32-hour week over four days, arguing that longer shifts could cause driver fatigue and endanger passengers. The union also fears that the changes could lead to less flexibility and more management control over shifts.
Could the Strikes Be Called Off?
Historically, Tube strikes have been called off at the last minute, but as of now, the May strikes are going ahead. Weekly meetings with unions continue, but no progress has been made. RMT accuses TfL of breaking promises and failing to engage in proper negotiations.
Strike Schedule 2026
- March 24-25 (cancelled)
- March 26-27 (cancelled)
- April 21-22
- April 23-24
- May 19-20
- May 21-22
- June 16-17
- June 18-19
How Disruptive Was the April Strike?
TfL reported that good service levels were maintained during the April strike, with more than half of normal demand observed. Tube usage fell by around 41%, while Elizabeth line ridership increased by 11.25%. Unlike previous strikes, the Northern and Victoria lines ran as usual, as only Tube drivers were striking.
