London underground strike to halt tube services for four days as union dispute intensifies

Commuters across the capital are bracing for severe disruption as strike action on the London Underground escalates this week.

The walkout, led by the RMT union and involving nearly 10,000 staff, will cause services to shut down earlier than usual on Sunday before the entire tube network closes from Monday through Thursday. Limited services are expected to return by 8 a.m. on Friday, September 12.

The strike stems from ongoing pay negotiations and demands for a shorter working week. While Transport for London (TfL) has offered a 3.4% pay rise—describing it as fair and in line with industry standards—the union insists that reduced hours are necessary to tackle staff fatigue and protect workers’ health.

The closure will add pressure to other parts of London’s transport system. Buses, the Elizabeth line, London Overground, and National Rail will continue running, but are expected to face extreme congestion. Some major stations with underground links will also be closed.

Docklands Light Railway services will additionally be hit on Tuesday and Thursday due to a separate dispute. Meanwhile, bus drivers at First Bus in west London plan a three-day strike from Friday, creating further travel headaches.

Economic analysts estimate the strike could cost the UK more than £230 million in lost productivity, travel delays, and reduced consumer spending.

TfL’s chief operating officer, Claire Mann, urged passengers to check before travelling:

“Little to no service is expected on the tube. While we’re open to discussions about managing staff fatigue, reducing the 35-hour working week isn’t financially sustainable.”

The RMT union, however, argues TfL can afford concessions, pointing to a reported £166m surplus and its £10bn annual budget.

With negotiations deadlocked, Londoners face one of the most disruptive tube strikes in years—likely to test patience and reshape commuting patterns for the week ahead.