Finance
London tube drivers to begin strikes later in March
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 10, 2026
1 min readLast updated: March 10, 2026
Quick Summary
London Tube drivers, represented by the RMT union, will launch six 24‑hour strikes beginning March 24 over proposed changes to their working hours, specifically a shift to a compressed four‑day week, which the union warns poses safety and fatigue risks.
London Tube Drivers to Begin Series of 24-Hour Strikes in March 2024
Details of the Planned Strike Action
Announcement and Schedule
LONDON, March 10 (Reuters) - London Tube drivers will begin a series of 24-hour strikes later this month over planned changes to their working hours, the RMT union said in a statement on Tuesday.
The first of six announced strikes will begin on March 24.
Background of the Dispute
Proposed Changes to Working Hours
The dispute centres around a plan to compress drivers' working week into four days, which the union says is a safety risk.
Union's Concerns
Fatigue and Safety Issues
"We are clear that these proposals raise serious concerns around fatigue, safety and work-life balance," said RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey.
Call for Negotiation
"There is still time for London Underground to come up with a workable solution but we will take strike action if we cannot get a negotiated settlement."
(Reporting by William James; editing by James Davey)
Key Takeaways
- •The RMT union says the proposed four‑day week with longer shifts raises serious concerns about fatigue, safety and work‑life balance, and opposes the plan unless a negotiated settlement is reached (apnews.com).
- •The first of six planned 24‑hour strikes is set for March 24, with RMT’s General Secretary Eddie Dempsey urging London Underground to propose a workable alternative (apnews.com).
- •This dispute is part of a longer-running disagreement over the four‑day week: TfL has proposed it as voluntary with paid meal breaks and potential efficiency gains, but RMT members have repeatedly rejected it, citing unpredictable shifts and safety worries (standard.co.uk).
References
Frequently Asked Questions about London Tube drivers to begin strikes later in March
1When will the London Tube driver strikes begin?
The first of six 24-hour strikes will begin on March 24.
2Why are London Tube drivers planning to strike?
Drivers are striking over planned changes to their working hours, specifically a proposal to compress the work week into four days.
3Who is organizing the Tube driver strikes?
The strikes are being organized by the RMT union.
4What concerns has the RMT union raised?
The RMT union has raised concerns about fatigue, safety, and work-life balance resulting from the proposed changes.
5Is there a possibility that the strikes could be called off?
Yes, the RMT union stated there is still time for London Underground to propose a workable solution.
