This Week's Tube Strikes Called Off
But future walkouts by RMT drivers not yet ruled out
The last minute cancellation of the strikes means that some services may still be affected
May 18, 2026
L ondoners have been handed a last‑minute reprieve after this week’s planned Tube strikes were abruptly called off, just hours before the first walkout was due to begin. The RMT union confirmed on Monday afternoon (18 May) that its members would no longer strike from Tuesday and Thursday as previously announced, though no agreement has yet been reached in the wider dispute — and there is still no clarity on whether further walkouts scheduled for June will proceed.
The strikes had been expected to shut down large parts of the network, with no service forecast on the Circle and Piccadilly lines, major suspensions on the Central and Metropolitan lines, and severe disruption elsewhere. Transport for London had warned passengers to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for knock‑on delays lasting well into Wednesday and Friday mornings.
The sudden cancellation means services will now run normally this week, though TfL has urged passengers to check before travelling as rosters and staffing plans are being reset at short notice.
The dispute itself remains unresolved. The RMT continues to oppose TfL’s proposal for a voluntary four‑day week with compressed hours, describing it as a “fake four‑day week” that would lengthen shifts, reduce flexibility and increase fatigue in a safety‑critical role. ASLEF, which represents a slight majority of Tube drivers, has accepted the proposals and was never planning to strike, calling the arrangement “exactly the sort of deal every trade union should be trying to achieve”.
TfL maintains that the new working pattern is entirely optional and designed to improve work‑life balance. “Any Tube driver who doesn’t wish to opt in can remain on a five‑day working pattern,” said Claire Mann, TfL’s chief operating officer, ahead of the now‑cancelled action.
The cancellation follows a disruptive round of strikes in April, when London endured four days of reduced services between 21 and 24 April. Several lines were completely suspended, while others ran heavily reduced timetables. The Elizabeth line, Overground and DLR remained operational but were significantly busier than usual, and many commuters turned to cycling or working from home.
Business groups have warned that repeated uncertainty — even when strikes are cancelled — is damaging central London’s hospitality and night‑time economy, with theatres, restaurants and bars reporting fluctuating footfall on strike‑affected weeks.
Attention now turns to the next planned walkouts on 16–17 June and 18–19 June, which remain in the diary unless the RMT and TfL make progress in talks.
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