Londoners are being warned of possible disruption across the Underground network in the run-up to Christmas, with eight strikes announced by Tube drivers.
The strikes, involving members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, are set to take place on several dates between November and February.
The industrial action could cause issues for commuters, Christmas shoppers, and those travelling to festive events.
The initial walkout is scheduled for Thursday, November 26, lasting 24 hours from midday to midday the following day.
Two more strikes are planned for just before Christmas.
Transport for London (TfL) has not yet confirmed which Underground lines will be affected or the level of service passengers can expect.
However, the industrial action could potentially impact all 11 Tube lines: Bakerloo, Central, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria, and Waterloo & City.
Three strikes have been announced before Christmas, with the second and third scheduled for Thursday, December 17, and Saturday, December 19, respectively.
These December walkouts come during one of the busiest shopping and entertainment periods of the year.
As the strikes begin at midday, disruption could affect both afternoon and evening journeys on the first day, as well as morning services the following day.
Further disruption may also occur before and after the official strike hours as services return to normal.
The RMT has announced eight separate 24-hour strikes:
November 26 to 27, 2026; December 17 to 18, 2026; December 19 to 20, 2026; January 4 to 5, 2027; January 6 to 7, 2027; February 17 to 18, 2027; February 23 to 24, 2027; February 25 to 26, 2027.
All strikes are scheduled to begin at midday and finish at midday the following day.
The action could still be suspended or cancelled if an agreement is reached between the union and London Underground.
The announced industrial action involves RMT London Underground drivers rather than staff operating the Elizabeth line, Docklands Light Railway (DLR), or London Overground.
No strikes have been announced on these three networks as part of this dispute.
However, services could become busier than usual as passengers look for alternative routes.
Some journeys may also be affected by interchange disruption at stations shared with the Underground.
Passengers travelling during the strikes should check their routes before setting off.
The dispute centres on proposed changes to working arrangements, including plans for a voluntary four-day working week.
The RMT claims the proposals could result in longer shifts, more time spent driving trains, and changes to existing employment protections.
The union has also raised concerns about potential job losses and changes to depot arrangements.
Eddie Dempsey, RMT general secretary, said: “London Underground is attempting to dress up a wholesale attack on drivers’ working conditions as a voluntary four-day week.”
“Our members are being asked to spend more time driving trains, accept longer and more unpredictable shifts, and surrender agreements that have been negotiated and defended over many years.”
TfL has defended its proposals, saying drivers would have the option to remain on a five-day working week.
Nick Dent, director of customer operations for London Underground, said: “We have engaged with our trade unions for months about our proposal for a new four-day working week.”
“As a result of that engagement, drivers can now choose to remain on a five-day week with a guarantee of remaining at the same depot.”
The Aslef union, which also represents London Underground drivers, has not announced strike action over the proposals.
Passengers planning journeys during the Christmas period are advised to check the latest travel information before leaving home. TfL’s website provides live service updates, station information, and alternative travel options. More detailed information about which lines will operate during the strikes is expected closer to the planned walkouts.
Check the latest Tube status on TfL’s Tube status page.
