London’s Tube network came to a near-complete halt on Monday as workers began a week-long strike over pay and working conditions, causing major disruptions for commuters and tourists across the British capital. London Underground trains are expected to remain largely non-operational between Monday and Thursday, with minimal services running.
The Docklands Light Railway, which links Canary Wharf with the City of London, will also be suspended on Tuesday and Thursday, further complicating travel for workers in financial districts.
Many Londoners reported significantly longer journeys to reach their workplaces, with some cycling or taking lengthy detours. “The prospect of it being all week, it’s a bit of a nightmare… it’s probably taken me twice as long to get in this morning,” said Laura Sutton, a legal counsel near London Bridge station.
The strikes, organized by the RMT trade union, focus on issues including pay, fatigue management, shift patterns, and calls for a reduction in the working week. RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey emphasized that the dispute is not about excessive financial demands, but the serious impact of extreme shifts and fatigue on workers’ health and wellbeing.
Transport for London (TfL), which operates the city’s public transport network, said it had proposed a 3.4% pay rise to staff and is seeking a resolution, noting that the union’s primary demand is a reduction of the standard 35-hour workweek.
TfL added that some services, such as the Elizabeth Line to Heathrow Airport and the Overground rail network, are running with limited disruption.
The industrial action is affecting not only daily commuters but also major events in the city. British rock band Coldplay has rescheduled two concerts at Wembley Stadium this week, and US singer Post Malone has postponed his London shows until later this month.
The ongoing strike highlights growing tensions between transport workers and management over labor conditions, with residents and visitors advised to plan alternative travel routes and anticipate continued delays throughout the week.
