When are the next London Tube Strikes in May and how will they disrupt four working days across the capital?
- Perry Richardson
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
London commuters and taxi drivers are bracing for further disruption later this month as fresh strike action planned by the RMT union threatens to affect four working days across the capital’s transport network.
The industrial action is scheduled to begin at midday on Tuesday 19 May and continue until midday on Wednesday 20 May. A second 24-hour strike will then begin at midday on Thursday 21 May and run through to Friday 22 May. The staggered timings are expected to create wider disruption during morning and evening peak periods as London Underground services recover.
Most Tube lines are expected to be impacted if the strikes proceed, with reduced services and possible station closures across the network. Only the Elizabeth line, Docklands Light Railway and London Overground are currently expected to operate normally.
The latest strike dates follow similar action earlier this year that saw stations crowded with long queues as commuters sought alternative ways to travel around London.
Taxi demand expected to surge again as RMT walkouts hit most Underground services during mid-May commuter periods
Many passengers switched to cycling and taxi services during the April disruption, placing additional demand on roads and private hire transport operators.
Taxi drivers are expected to see another increase in passenger demand during the May strikes, particularly around central London, major rail stations and airport routes. Previous Underground stoppages have typically driven higher fare volumes for black cab and private hire operators as commuters avoid unreliable rail connections.
The dispute centres on proposed working pattern changes for Tube drivers. The RMT union has raised concerns over plans linked to a four-day working week arrangement, arguing the changes could increase fatigue and affect operational safety standards across the network.
Under the proposals, most drivers would move from a 36-hour to a 35-hour working week through the introduction of paid meal breaks. Although total weekly hours would reduce slightly, drivers would work longer individual shifts across fewer working days.
Transport for London has previously described the strike action as “completely unnecessary”, stating that the four-day week proposal is currently only being trialled voluntarily on the Bakerloo line.
Further strike action has also been scheduled for Tuesday 16 June and Thursday 18 June, raising the prospect of continued disruption heading into the summer period if an agreement between TfL and the union is not reached.
