Tube strikes to hit Christmas trade, businesses warn
RMT drivers announce 24-hour walkouts over four-day week dispute, with three dates before Christmas.
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London businesses are bracing for disruption as RMT drivers have announced plans for 24-hour strikes over a dispute concerning a four-day working week. Three of the planned walkouts are scheduled to occur before Christmas Day, a period critical for the capital's retail and hospitality sectors.
Concerns over Christmas trading
Tube drivers to strike for eight more days
RMT union members protest proposed voluntary four-day week with condensed hours.
Business leaders have urged both the RMT union and Transport for London (TfL) to resolve the dispute to avoid damaging the city's economy during its busiest trading season. Ed Richardson, Transport Programme Director at BusinessLDN, stated that the strikes would bring "no festive cheer" and would particularly impact the hospitality sector. He added that while some people can work from home or use alternative transport, the disruption would hit businesses hard during the vital Christmas period. BusinessLDN is calling for an urgent agreement to prevent these "damaging strikes."
The festive season is a key period for pubs, restaurants, and other hospitality venues, with many relying on increased turnover from Christmas shoppers and diners. Fears are mounting that Tube service interruptions on key dates could significantly reduce trade. Karim Fatehi, chief executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also condemned the action, noting that the days before Christmas are vital for thousands of businesses and that disrupting the transport network risks costing businesses revenue and deterring visitors.
Impact of previous strikes
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Data from previous Tube strikes indicates a substantial negative effect on hospitality venues. Following strikes in June 2025, restaurant analytics platform Tenzo reported that venues experienced sales decreases of 6 per cent on one strike day and 13.1 per cent on another, compared to the previous week. Across both strike days, the average venue saw sales drop by approximately 10.4 per cent. Customer numbers also fell, with a median venue recording 6.9 per cent fewer transactions on one strike day and 11.7 per cent fewer on another. These figures suggest that fewer customers visited venues, rather than those who did visit spending less.
The dispute over working conditions
The RMT union claims that proposed changes are an "attack on drivers' working conditions," stating that drivers will have to work longer days. TfL, however, insists that the changes are voluntary. Nick Dent, LU director of customer operations, stated that following engagement with trade unions, drivers can now choose to remain on a five-day week with a guarantee of staying at their current depot. The union disputes this, with RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey saying the scheme forces drivers to give up existing protections and threatens those who refuse with displacement from their depots. London Underground has rejected claims about displacement.
The RMT drivers' strike dates are scheduled for eight separate days between November 26 and February 25. The dispute centres on proposals for a four-day week for Tube drivers, with RMT claiming the changes are not voluntary and constitute an attack on working conditions. TfL maintains that drivers can opt out and retain their current working arrangements.
Questions this report answers
+When are the Tube strikes planned?
RMT drivers have announced 24-hour strike action on eight separate days between November 26 and February 25. Three of these strike dates are scheduled to take place before Christmas Day, a critical period for London's businesses.
+Why are the Tube drivers striking?
The strikes are part of an ongoing dispute over proposals for a four-day working week for Tube drivers. The RMT union claims these changes are an attack on drivers' working conditions, while TfL states the changes are voluntary and drivers can opt to remain on a five-day week.
+How will the strikes affect London businesses?
Business leaders warn that the strikes will damage London's hospitality and retail sectors during the crucial Christmas trading period. Previous strikes in June 2025 led to significant drops in sales for hospitality venues, with one report showing a 13.1 per cent fall on a strike day.
+What is Transport for London's position?
TfL states that drivers can choose to remain on a five-day week and are guaranteed to stay at the same depot. They have engaged with trade unions for months on proposals for a new four-day working week, which they say is voluntary.
WE FILE
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