London Underground Tube Strikes: TfL Issues Final Warning to RMT Union
Transport for London( TfL) has issued a last- nanosecond warning to the Rail, Maritime and Transport( RMT) union, prompting it to call off impending Tube strikes that hang to bring the capital’s transport network to a near-deadlock.
Thousands of London Underground staff, including motorists, signalers, and conservation workers, are set to strike coming week over pay and working conditions.
TfL has advised that between Sunday 7 and Thursday 11 September 2025, services will be significantly disrupted, with little to no trains running.
Transport for London has given the union a 24-hour ultimatum. If the RMT does not suspend its industrial action threat by Friday night, disruption is expected to start Sunday evening.
TfL has offered a 3.4% pay rise, describing it as a “fair” offer, but has said the union’s demand to reduce the working week is financially unviable.
Nick Dent, London Underground’s director of customer operations, told the PA news agency: “We have met four times in the past two weeks and we would welcome further talks. It is not too late to call off the strikes and put our offer to the RMT members.”
He added that the union’s request to cut the 35-hour week would cost “hundreds of millions of pounds.”
“We have met four times in the past two weeks and we would welcome further talks. It is not too late to call off the strikes and put our offer to the RMT members.”
Tube strike is ON – but TfL says there is still time and pleads with RMT to back down https://t.co/JAbqC8KXzq pic.twitter.com/9vegdtyoNf
— Standard News (@standardnews) September 5, 2025
The last Tube-wide strike was three years ago, centred on pay and pensions. Mr Dent warned that next week’s action would be more complex, as different groups of staff will walk out on separate days. “It will be very damaging for us,” he said.
Passengers in London are being urged to plan ahead. Tube services will start later than usual, with no trains before 08:00 from Monday to Friday.
Bus services, while innocent, are anticipated to be busier than normal, and Docklands Light Railway( DLR) routes will also see disruption on Tuesday, 8, and Thursday, 11 September, due to a separate RMT pay disagreement.
During the strike period, the London Overground, motorcars, and Elizabeth Line will continue to operate, though trippers should anticipate heavier crowds.
TfL is advising commuters to check schedules before travelling and allow redundant time for peregrinations. For Londoners, this could mark one of the most disruptive weeks on the Tube in recent times.
The RMT’s decision in the coming 24 hours will determine whether these strikes go ahead or if chaos on the capital’s transport network can be prevented.
Key Travel Advice:
- 7–11 September 2025: Severe Tube disruption; minimal services expected.
- 8–12 September 2025: Trains start later than usual; no early morning service before 08:00.
- 8 & 11 September 2025: DLR services suspended.
- Alternative options: Overground, buses, and the Elizabeth Line remain operational.
