What happened on the first day of London Underground driver strikes

LocalPolitics
22 Apr 2026 • 12:54 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

What happened on the first day of London Underground driver strikes

  • London's transport network faced significant disruption due to a 24-hour strike by Underground drivers, members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, which began on Tuesday.
  • A second 24-hour strike is planned for Thursday, with four more scheduled in May and June if the dispute remains unresolved.
  • The industrial action led to full or partial suspensions and severe delays on several Tube lines, prompting Transport for London (TfL) to advise passengers to check their journeys.
  • The RMT union is in dispute over proposed changes to the working week, including a four-day week, shift lengths, and annual leave, with union official Jared Wood stating members are united against the proposals.
  • London's hospitality sector has expressed concerns that the strikes will severely impact their trade, while TfL maintains its proposals for a voluntary four-day week aim to improve reliability and flexibility.

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