London is bracing for another round of tube strikes next week, with industrial action scheduled for May 19-22, 2026. The strikes, organized by the RMT union, follow a similar walkout in April and are part of an ongoing dispute with Transport for London (TfL) over a proposed compressed four-day working week for tube drivers. The RMT has raised concerns about shift lengths, working time arrangements, and potential impacts on fatigue and safety.
When Are the Spring 2026 Tube Strikes?
There are four remaining strike dates, spread across eight days. The May periods of industrial action are bolded below:
- May 19-20 (12pm to 11.59am)
- May 21-22 (12pm to 11.59am)
- June 16-17 (12pm to 11.59am)
- June 18-19 (12pm to 11.59am)
Previous strikes occurred on April 21-22 and 23-24.
Will the Elizabeth Line Be Affected?
No, the Elizabeth Line will not be directly impacted by the strike action. Elizabeth line staff are not part of this round of walkouts. However, there will be knock-on effects. The Elizabeth line is likely to be much busier than usual during strike hours, and some stations may have reduced interchange access.
Which Lines Are Affected by the Strikes?
TfL has yet to confirm exactly which lines will be worst hit. Based on the April strikes, passengers can expect a reduced service on all lines, with specific changes including:
- No trains on the Piccadilly and Circle lines
- No service on the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate
- No trains on the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street
During the April walkouts, TfL managed to run a reduced service on most tube lines, which was not as severe as the strikes in September 2025. There are plenty of alternative ways to get around London without the tube, including buses, trams, e-bikes, National Rail trains, the Overground, and the Elizabeth line.
When Did Strikes Last Hit the Elizabeth Line?
The purple line was last threatened by industrial action in February and March 2025, but those strikes were called off. Before that, control room staff on the Elizabeth line walked out on New Year’s Eve 2024.
For the latest updates on tube strikes and travel advice, follow TfL and local news sources.
