RMT Begins Five-Day London Tube Strike Over Pay, Hours

London Underground workers, represented by the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, have commenced a five-day strike over pay and working conditions, severely disrupting travel across the capital. The union is demanding a reduction in the working week from 35 to 32 hours alongside better pay, while Transport for London (TfL) has offered a 3.4% pay rise but deemed the shorter workweek demand 'neither practical nor affordable.' The strike, running from September 7 to September 11, will result in limited or no service on most Tube lines, with only the Elizabeth line and London Overground operating, though they will face heavy passenger demand and may skip some shared stations. Additional disruption includes a complete shutdown of the Docklands Light Railway on Tuesday and Thursday and buses and roads expected to be busier as commuters seek alternatives. TfL has urged the union to call off the strikes, emphasizing ongoing talks, but the union remains committed to the walkout. This is the first full Tube strike since March 2023, with significant concerns about the strike's impact on London's transport network and commuter routines.