RMT Announces Series of Rolling Tube Strikes
Industrial action could take place over a week in September
An RMT picket during previous strike action
August 21, 2025
London Underground workers are set to stage a week of rolling strike action beginning Friday 5 September, following a breakdown in negotiations between the RMT union and Transport for London (TfL).
The industrial action will involve staff across multiple grades, including train drivers, engineers, control centre staff, signallers, and track access controllers.
The RMT union says the strikes are in response to unresolved issues around pay, fatigue management, extreme shift patterns, and a proposed reduction in the working week.
General Secretary Eddie Dempsey described the situation as serious, citing long-standing concerns about staff wellbeing.
“Fatigue and extreme shift rotations are impacting our members’ health,” he said. “There’s an atmosphere of distrust, where our members feel like no one is listening to them.”
TfL, however, maintains that it has made a fair offer and remains open to further dialogue. A spokesperson said the organisation had proposed a 3.4% pay increase and had made progress on previous commitments. “We regularly meet with our trade unions to discuss concerns,” the spokesperson added. “We welcome further engagement, but a reduction in the contractual 35-hour working week is neither practical nor affordable.”
The strike schedule will see different groups walk out on different days. Ruislip depot operational managers will begin action from 6pm on 5 September, while engineers, station staff, and train operators are expected to strike from midnight on 8 September and again on 10 September.
Signallers and service control staff will strike on 9 and 11 September, with additional action planned by control centre and power teams on 7 September.
The union says the upcoming action will cause “significant disruption” across London’s transport system, but insists it remains committed to reaching a negotiated settlement. “Our members are not asking for a king’s ransom,” said Dempsey. “We will continue to engage with LU management in good faith.”
TfL has urged the union to put its offer to members and avoid further disruption.
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