Strikes by the RMT union brought the London Underground to a standstill on Monday, forcing thousands of commuters to seek alternative routes across the capital. The disruption also caused Transport for London’s (TfL) website and TfL Go app to crash as demand for journey planning surged.
The industrial action by around 10,000 RMT members has left virtually the entire tube network suspended, with only limited services operating on the outer sections of the Central and Metropolitan lines. The London Overground and most national rail services remained in operation, but major interchanges including Farringdon were closed due to the strike.
Commuters Turn to Buses and Elizabeth Line
With the tube out of action, buses and the Elizabeth line absorbed much of the extra passenger load. Long queues formed across London as people scrambled to board alternative transport. Ride-hailing services also spiked in demand, with Uber warning customers of surge pricing—some trips across the city cost up to £50 for just five miles.
The worst congestion is expected on Tuesday, when more workers are likely to commute compared to Monday and Friday, which typically see higher numbers working from home.
Wider Impact Across London Transport
The strikes are scheduled to continue until Friday morning, marking four days of near-total shutdown. Docklands Light Railway services will also stop on Tuesday and Thursday due to a separate dispute. TfL confirmed that tube services are not expected to resume before 8am on Friday if industrial action continues.
Pay Dispute Behind the Strikes
The RMT union has launched the strike in a bid to secure a shorter working week as part of ongoing pay negotiations. TfL has offered a 3.4% pay rise but rejected demands to cut hours below the current 36-hour week, calling the proposals “simply unaffordable.”
An RMT spokesperson defended the action, saying the strike is about protecting staff from the long-term health effects of shift work: “We are not striking to disrupt small businesses or the public. This strike is going ahead because of the refusal of TfL management to consider a modest reduction in the working week.”
Support for the union has come from the 4 Day Week Foundation. Campaign director Joe Ryle described the strike as “a bold and necessary stand,” arguing that the five-day week is outdated and no longer reflects modern life.
London Faces Days of Disruption
As the strike continues, London commuters are bracing for days of heavy disruption, congestion, and higher travel costs. With limited underground services and pressure mounting on buses, rail, and ride-hailing apps, the dispute highlights growing tensions over working conditions and pay in the capital’s transport network.
