Before the recent developments, expectations surrounding the London Underground were relatively stable, with operations running smoothly. However, the situation has dramatically shifted as the RMT union has announced a series of planned strikes in 2026, primarily affecting the Bakerloo line.

On March 24, 2026, the first of six scheduled 24-hour strikes will commence, with additional strikes planned for March 26, April 21, April 23, May 19, and May 21. This decision comes in response to Transport for London’s (TfL) proposal to compress the normal working week into four days for train drivers on the Bakerloo line.

Currently, only drivers affiliated with the RMT union, which represents roughly half of the total drivers on the network, are set to participate in the strikes. The RMT argues that the proposed changes raise serious concerns regarding fatigue, safety, and work-life balance. Eddie Dempsey, the RMT general secretary, stated, “London Underground is trying to force through major changes to working patterns that have already been rejected by our members.”

In contrast, TfL maintains that the changes to working patterns would be voluntary. A spokesperson for TfL commented, “What we are asking the RMT to do is do the same working hours within four days rather than five.” They further urged the union to reconsider the strikes, stating that they are “completely unnecessary and will have a serious impact on London’s businesses and commuters.”

The strikes are expected to disrupt services significantly, particularly for those relying on the Bakerloo line. The last major strike involving the RMT union had a far-reaching impact, affecting nearly all services due to the participation of Aslef, another union representing drivers.

With the first strike date fast approaching, commuters and businesses in London are bracing for potential disruptions. The RMT’s decision to strike reflects ongoing tensions between the union and TfL over working conditions and employee welfare.

As the situation develops, both parties are likely to continue negotiations in hopes of reaching a resolution that satisfies the concerns of the RMT while maintaining operational stability for London’s transport system.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the impact these strikes may have on the wider network and the response from other unions.

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“Passengers should anticipate longer journey times and delays at interchange stations,” a Transport for London (TfL) spokesperson stated amid ongoing disruptions on the northern line.

Severe delays have been reported on the northern line, primarily caused by planned maintenance and a signal failure at East Finchley on the morning of March 12, 2026. The Bank branch of the northern line has been experiencing early closures from Camden Town to Kennington since January 12, 2026, as part of essential track replacement work.

Delays are particularly affecting routes between High Barnet and Battersea Power Station, as well as between Mill Hill East and Kennington via Charing Cross. TfL engineers are currently addressing the signal failure at East Finchley, but uncertainty remains around the duration of the delays as repairs continue.

In light of the disruptions, passengers are advised to check before they travel and allow extra time for their journeys. TfL recommends using its journey planner to check updated routes.

While the northern line faces challenges, normal services have resumed with minor delays on the Bakerloo, Jubilee, and Piccadilly lines. London Buses are accepting Tube tickets while engineers work to fix the fault, providing some relief to affected commuters.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline for the resolution of the current issues, but TfL continues to update passengers as the situation evolves.

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The Central line is experiencing severe delays across its entire route due to a signal failure at Bethnal Green. Passengers are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys as multiple Tube lines are affected.

In addition to the Central line, the Bakerloo line is facing minor delays due to train cancellations, while the Northern line is also running with minor delays following an earlier signal failure at Kennington. The Piccadilly line is heavily disrupted, particularly between Acton Town and Heathrow Airport, after engineering work ran late.

As a response to the ongoing delays, tickets are being accepted on London Buses and the Elizabeth line, providing alternative travel options for affected passengers.

The situation has been exacerbated by an impending strike by Tube drivers, scheduled for March 24, 26, April 21, 23, and May 19, 21, over a dispute regarding working hours. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) has around 1,800 members involved in this dispute, which centers on a rejected proposal for a compressed four-day working week.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey stated, “London Underground is trying to force through major changes to working patterns that have already been rejected by our members.” This ongoing dispute raises concerns about potential further disruptions to the already strained transport system.

A spokesperson for Transport for London commented, “These threatened strikes are completely unnecessary and will have a serious impact on London’s businesses and commuters and we urge them to call off this action.”

Passengers are being urged to check before they travel, as the combination of signal failures and the potential for strikes could lead to further complications in their journeys.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact timeline for resolving the signal failure at Bethnal Green and the outcome of the ongoing negotiations between the RMT and London Underground management.

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