Londoners endured a fourth consecutive day of travel chaos on Tuesday as the rolling strike by members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union forced the suspension of most Underground services.
The strike, which began last week, has left commuters stranded, businesses struggling, and London’s transport system under severe pressure. On Tuesday, only limited services ran on the Northern line, while the rest of the Tube network remained closed. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) also faced disruption due to a separate industrial dispute.
At the heart of the standoff is a dispute over pay and working conditions. RMT members are demanding a 32-hour working week and have rejected Transport for London’s (TfL) offer of a 3.4% pay rise. Union leaders argue that shorter hours are essential for staff well-being and safety, citing rising stress levels and mounting pressures on workers.
However, TfL has described the demands as unaffordable given the financial challenges it faces. The organisation, which is still grappling with reduced passenger revenue since the pandemic, said it cannot meet the union’s conditions without cutting services or increasing fares.
“Our offer of a 3.4% pay rise is fair and reasonable in the current climate,” a TfL spokesperson said. “The demand for a 32-hour working week is simply not sustainable.”
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch dismissed TfL’s stance, accusing management of “failing to recognise the dedication and hard work of Underground staff.” He added that the union is determined to continue with rolling strikes until a satisfactory agreement is reached.
The strike has drawn mixed reactions from commuters. Many Londoners expressed frustration at the continued disruption, particularly those who rely on the Underground for daily travel. Others voiced sympathy for the workers’ demands, arguing that fair pay and manageable hours are essential in a city with soaring living costs.
Business groups have warned that the ongoing industrial action could have lasting economic consequences. Retailers and hospitality venues in central London reported reduced footfall during the strike days, while taxi services and cycling hire schemes saw sharp increases in demand.
Meanwhile, the government has called on both sides to reach a compromise. A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: “Londoners cannot be held hostage by ongoing disputes. We urge TfL and the RMT to work constructively towards a solution.”
For now, no breakthrough appears in sight. RMT members have signalled that further action is likely if their demands remain unmet, raising fears that disruption could continue into next week.
As commuters brace for further delays, the London Underground strike highlights a broader national debate about wages, working hours, and the financial sustainability of public services in a challenging economic climate.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
