The first of two planned 24-hour strikes by London Underground drivers began early Tuesday after last-ditch negotiations failed to resolve a dispute over a proposed four-day working week.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union walked out at 00:01 BST, causing severe disruption across the network. The union rejected Transport for London's (TfL) proposal for a voluntary four-day week, citing concerns about longer shift lengths, reduced flexibility, and driver fatigue.
TfL expressed disappointment, stating it would aim to run at least half of Tube services. However, the Circle and Piccadilly lines were fully suspended, and parts of the Metropolitan and Central lines were shut down. Buses, the London Overground, Elizabeth line, DLR, and trams continued operating but were expected to be busier than usual.
A second 24-hour strike is scheduled for Thursday. Talks with the conciliation service Acas on Monday failed to produce assurances on safety concerns, the RMT said.
"Despite our best efforts in ACAS talks, TfL have failed to provide assurances on our members deeply held concerns around fatigue, reduced flexibility, shift lengths and the impact these proposals could have in a safety-critical role like tube driving," an RMT representative said.
TfL countered that the four-day week proposal would remain voluntary and that drivers would work fewer hours overall. Another union, Aslef, had already accepted the plans.