English
London Underground strike is paralyzing the city’s subway system, with thousands of staff walking out over pay and working conditions. The strike, which began Sunday, threatens to shut down a network relied on by millions of commuters daily.
Strike begins with widespread disruption
The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) Union confirmed that drivers, signalers, and maintenance workers will stage walkouts through Thursday. Transport for London (TfL) reported severe disruptions on Sunday and warned that few or no trains will run Monday to Thursday.
Union demands shorter workweek
TfL offered workers a 3.4 percent pay increase, but the union rejected the proposal. Instead, members demand a reduction in the workweek from 35 to 32 hours. TfL insists it cannot afford such a change, citing ongoing financial pressures.
Union leaders argue that staffing levels have fallen sharply, with 2,000 fewer employees since 2018. They say remaining workers face exhausting shifts and unsustainable workloads. “Our members are feeling the strain of extreme shift patterns,” the RMT said in a statement.
Calls for political intervention
With no talks currently planned, the union urged London Mayor Sadiq Khan to intervene and push for a settlement. Commuters, already facing disruption, now brace for four days of potential gridlock across the capital.
The dispute highlights broader tensions in London’s transit system, where workers demand fairer conditions and the operator struggles with budget constraints. If no resolution is reached, the strike could inflict major economic costs on businesses and commuters.
Uncertain path forward
As the week unfolds, millions of Londoners must seek alternative travel. Buses and above-ground trains are expected to face heavy overcrowding. The London Underground strike underscores how critical transit staff are to the city’s daily life—and how fragile the system becomes during labor disputes.
