Commuters’ tube journeys delayed and disrupted as underground drivers’ strike starts

London’s transport network faced significant disruption on Tuesday as the first of a series of 24-hour strikes by Underground drivers brought services to a standstill for many commuters and visitors.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union initiated their walkout at 12 noon, with a further 24-hour strike planned from the same time on Thursday, ensuring widespread disruption throughout the week.

Transport for London (TfL) advised passengers to check their journeys, as the industrial action led to extensive delays across the capital.

Several Tube lines, including the Circle, Central, and Piccadilly, experienced full or partial suspensions, while other parts of the network reported severe delays.

The union, embroiled in a dispute over proposed changes to the working week, has scheduled four additional 24-hour strikes in May and June should the disagreement remain unresolved.

London's hospitality sector, including pubs and restaurants, has voiced concerns that this week's industrial action will severely impact their trade. RMT official Jared Wood stated that union members held strong convictions regarding the issues at the heart of the dispute.

He told the Press Association the row was not just about a four-day week, saying other issues were involved such as the length of shifts and changes to annual leave.

He said: “TfL need to come forward with changes to their proposals for this dispute to be resolved.

“There is absolute unanimity among our members that we have to fight these proposals.”

Mr Wood said there was now “a lot of bad feeling” between the drivers and London Underground.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “In a typical week, London’s pubs generate approximately £80 million in GVA (gross added value) between Tuesday and Friday alone.

“This doesn’t just boost the economy but represents the jobs, high streets, and community spirit that revolve around pubs.

“At a time when so many locals are already operating on a knife edge because of huge costs, significant disruption to trade will be acutely felt.

“It’s vital that the overall cost of doing business comes down, which is why we’re working with Government on ways to support the pub, including permanent business rates reform, a cut in beer duty and VAT, and a reduction of the regulatory burden.”

Some bus routes in the capital operated by Stagecoach will be affected by a separate 24-hour strike from 5am on Friday.

Claire Mann, TfL’s chief operating officer, said: “We have set out proposals to the RMT for a four-day working week.

“This allows us to offer train operators an additional day off, whilst at the same time bringing London Underground in line with the working patterns of other train operating companies, improving reliability and flexibility at no additional cost.

“The changes would be voluntary, there would be no reduction in contractual hours and those who wish to continue a five-day working week pattern would be able to do so.”