London Underground drivers represented by the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union are set to hold two 24-hour strikes on June 2 and June 4, 2026, after failing to resolve a dispute over a proposed voluntary four-day compressed working week.
Transport for London (TfL) and union representatives have scheduled last-ditch conciliatory talks through the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) on June 1 to avert widespread travel disruption.
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Service Impact
TfL stated that the industrial action will significantly affect transit services across the capital, though the agency hopes to operate at least half of the Tube network.
The Circle and Piccadilly lines will face complete closures, while partial suspensions will hit the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate, and the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street.
Operating services will begin later and conclude earlier than usual, with no trains running before 6:30 AM or after 9:00 PM.
Buses, London Overground, the Elizabeth line, DLR, and tram services will maintain regular schedules but are expected to experience heavy passenger volume.
Residual disruption is anticipated on the mornings of June 3 and June 5.
Dispute Over Compressed Hours
The dispute centers on a voluntary compressed schedule that reduces average weekly rostered hours from 36 to 34, allowing participating drivers an additional 35 days off annually.
While the Aslef drivers' union accepted the deal, the RMT leadership claims the arrangement creates scheduling irregularities and safety hazards.
The union has instructed its members not to log on for shifts during the strike periods.
RMT expressed deep dissatisfaction with how management addressed safety concerns regarding longer shifts, citing a "continued refusal to engage meaningfully with the union's concerns."
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"Our members have raised serious concerns around fatigue, longer shifts, reduced flexibility and the impact these proposals could have in a safety-critical role," the RMT stated.
Union leadership reaffirmed its willingness to negotiate but insisted that safety priorities must be met before implementing contract changes.
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey ordered a full work stoppage for the specified days, instructing members not to book on for any shifts between 00:01 and 23:59 on June 2 and June 4.
"I trust this keeps you updated for now and expect that you and your colleagues will display another show of strength and solidarity during the strike action," Dempsey said.
An anonymous RMT source confirmed that Acas is ready to assist in the dispute.
Aslef Support, TfL Response
Meanwhile, the Aslef union endorsed the voluntary contract structure, calling it "exactly the sort of deal every trade union should be trying to achieve" and "the biggest improvement in working conditions for Underground train drivers in decades."
Aslef noted that the policy provides extensive rest periods with minimal alterations to overall duties, in return for "some fairly minor changes to working conditions."
TfL management expressed regret over the strike escalation, describing it as "disappointing," while maintaining that the policy remains entirely voluntary.
"Any of our Tube drivers who do not wish to take up the new proposed way of working and associated changes to working arrangements can remain on a five-day working pattern," said Claire Mann, TfL Chief Operating Officer.
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Mann noted that a significant number of drivers have indicated they want to progress plans for a pilot of the new working pattern on the Bakerloo line, bringing benefits for both colleagues and customers.
