Thousands of London Underground staff, represented by the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, have commenced a series of strikes from Sunday, September 7, to Thursday, September 11, 2025, causing widespread disruption across the capital’s transport network and threatening a near-total shutdown of Tube services for several days. This industrial action has become a trending topic across London, dominating commuter concerns and national news coverage.
Deepening Dispute Over Pay and Working Hours
The core of the dispute lies in the RMT’s demand for a reduction in the standard working week from 35 to 32 hours. The union argues that this is essential to address issues of fatigue, extreme shift patterns, and increased strain on its members, exacerbated by a reduction of approximately 2,000 staff since 2018. RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey has stated that union members feel their concerns regarding health and wellbeing have not been adequately addressed for years, and they are seeking “fair consideration” alongside a shorter working week. The RMT also points to a reported surplus by TfL in previous financial years and a substantial annual operating budget as evidence that a shorter week is financially viable.
Transport for London (TfL) has countered with an offer of a 3.4% pay increase, which it describes as “fair” and aligned with other industry agreements. However, TfL maintains that meeting the RMT’s demand for a reduced working week is “unaffordable,” estimating it would cost hundreds of millions of pounds annually. Nick Dent, London Underground’s director of customer operations, and Claire Mann, TfL’s Chief Operating Officer, have urged the RMT to suspend the action and put TfL’s offer to its members, highlighting that while dialogue on fatigue management is ongoing, a reduction in the contracted working week is not feasible.
Widespread Disruption and Economic Fallout
The strike action, involving drivers, signalers, and maintenance workers, began on Sunday, September 7, with initial disruption and limited services. However, the impact escalated significantly from Monday, September 8, through Thursday, September 11. TfL warned of “little to no service” across the entire Tube network during these days. Services were expected to finish early on Sunday and resume only partially by late morning on Friday, September 12. On Sunday, specific lines experienced varying degrees of suspension and delays, including the Bakerloo and Circle lines being fully suspended, and parts of the Central and Piccadilly lines affected.
Beyond the Underground, other public transport services are bracing for increased passenger numbers. The Elizabeth Line, London Overground, and trams are running but are anticipated to be “extremely busy.” TfL has advised that these services may be unable to stop at all stations, particularly those with Tube interchanges. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) also faced disruption, with no services operating on Tuesday, September 9, and Thursday, September 11, due to a separate dispute involving RMT members.
The ramifications of this prolonged industrial action extend beyond daily commutes. Millions of passengers are facing significant travel misery, impacting tourism and the city’s economy. Economic impact modelling suggests direct losses could exceed £230 million. The strike has already led to the postponement of major events, with popular concerts by Coldplay and Post Malone rescheduled due to the impossibility of safely transporting large numbers of attendees without a functional Tube system.
Union Demands vs. TfL’s Offer
The RMT has expressed disappointment with TfL’s approach, calling management “intransigent” and refusing to engage seriously with their demands on fatigue, shift patterns, and the reduced working week. The union has been vocal about members feeling unheard and the need for fair consideration. They emphasize their openness to further talks to seek a negotiated settlement.
TfL, conversely, continues to urge the RMT to call off the strike, emphasizing that their pay offer is fair and in line with industry standards. They have also expressed willingness to discuss fatigue and rostering management. The union’s decision to proceed with the strike, without putting the latest offer to its members for a vote, has been a point of contention for TfL. This ongoing news story highlights the critical role of the Underground in London’s daily functioning and the complex negotiations required to maintain its services.
