Most London Underground services remained suspended as members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) continued a rolling strike into its fourth day, leaving the majority of stations closed until Friday morning, Transport for London (TfL) said.
The walkout, which has seen depot managers and signallers among those withdrawing their labour, is part of a dispute over pay and the RMT's demand for a 32-hour working week. TfL has offered staff a 3.4% pay rise and said the union's proposals for a shorter working week are unaffordable.
On Tuesday some Northern line services ran, but most of the Tube network remained shut. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) was also suspended in a separate dispute, further reducing rail options for commuters across the capital.
Londoners adapted to the disruption by shifting to other modes of transport. TfL and local operators reported increased use of river services, buses and cycling, with a large spike in bike rental scheme usage recorded in the capital.
Talks between the union and transport authorities broke down last Wednesday morning, prompting appeals from senior figures for fresh negotiations. Both the prime minister and London’s mayor urged the parties to return to the table to try to resolve the dispute.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey criticised Mayor Sadiq Khan, saying Khan bore responsibility for what he called a “total and utter collapse of industrial relations in London.” The mayor’s office has called for constructive engagement to end the disruption.
TfL has described the combination of pay proposals and the union demand for a shorter working week as unaffordable within its current budget constraints. The operator has framed its 3.4% offer as a realistic move given financial pressures, while warning that further concessions could have broader implications for fares and services.
The presence of depot managers and signallers among striking staff has restricted the authority’s ability to reopen lines even when some operational staff are available. TfL said it was keeping services under review and would provide updates on reopening plans, but reiterated that most stations were expected to remain closed until Friday morning.
Commuters and businesses have reported significant disruption to journeys and schedules, with some employers advising flexible working where possible. Transport unions and management have previously clashed over pay and working conditions in the capital, and this week’s action adds to a series of contested negotiations affecting London’s transport network.
As the strike continues, officials and union leaders face pressure to restart talks. Both sides have been urged by political leaders to seek a negotiated settlement that restores services while addressing the workforce’s grievances, but no immediate breakthrough had been reported by the close of Tuesday’s operations.