London’s transport network has been thrown into significant disarray this week as members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) commenced a rolling series of strikes. The industrial action, which began on Friday, September 5, 2025, and was set to continue through Thursday, September 11, has resulted in widespread disruption, with virtually no services operating on many London Underground lines.
Core of the Dispute: Pay, Hours, and Fatigue
The strike action stems from a protracted dispute between the RMT union and Transport for London (TfL) over pay, working conditions, and fatigue management. The RMT argues that its members are being subjected to extreme shift patterns and arduous working hours, exacerbated by a reduction of approximately 2,000 staff on the network since 2018. The union is demanding a reduction in the standard 35-hour working week to 32 hours, which they assert is crucial for staff well-being and for addressing fatigue. RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey stated, “They are not after a King’s ransom, but fatigue and extreme shift rotations are serious issues impacting on our members health and wellbeing.” He also pointed to alleged failures by London Underground management to honour previous agreements.
Conversely, TfL has offered a 3.4% pay increase, which it describes as fair, affordable, and in line with RPI inflation and other recent rail industry settlements. TfL’s Chief Operating Officer Claire Mann has called the RMT’s demand for a shorter working week “neither practical nor affordable,” estimating potential costs running into hundreds of millions of pounds. TfL also indicated a willingness to discuss fatigue management strategies beyond a reduction in hours.
Unprecedented Disruption Across the Network
The impact on Londoners has been severe. From Sunday, September 7, limited services were running, with all journeys advised to be completed by 6 p.m. The situation escalated dramatically on Monday, September 8, with little to no service expected on all Underground lines through to Thursday, September 11. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) also experienced a complete shutdown on Tuesday, September 9, and Thursday, September 11, due to a separate dispute over pay and conditions.
Commuters have been urged to check before they travel, with many resorting to alternative transport. Journeys on the Elizabeth line and London Overground, which remained operational, saw significant increases in passenger numbers, leading to exceptionally crowded conditions. London buses also faced heavier demand, with road congestion becoming a major issue across the capital. Searches for “when is the tube strike finishing” reportedly surged by 450%, highlighting the trending nature of the travel chaos.
Wider Repercussions and Calls for Resolution
The strike’s impact has extended beyond daily commutes, affecting businesses and planned events. The hospitality sector reported a dramatic 67% drop in bookings between September 8 and 11, with bars and restaurants experiencing a significant decrease in walk-ins and a surge in cancellations. Major events, including Coldplay’s concerts at Wembley Stadium, were rescheduled due to the impossibility of safely transporting large numbers of attendees. One estimate suggested the strike could cost London’s economy over £230 million.
Calls for resolution have been widespread. London Mayor Sadiq Khan urged both TfL and the RMT to return to the negotiating table, though he indicated he could not directly intervene. Downing Street also expressed frustration with the ongoing disruption. Despite pleas, talks between the union and TfL had broken down, with no immediate further meetings scheduled. RMT leaders have called for a summit involving the Mayor to help break the deadlock, warning of a “total collapse in industrial relations.”
As the strike action concludes today, September 11, Londoners are left grappling with the immediate aftermath and uncertainty over future industrial action, with the RMT indicating further disputes may loom over cleaners’ pay and ticket office futures on the Elizabeth Line. This news has dominated London headlines throughout the week.
