London Grinds to a Halt: Tube Strike Sends City Into Chaos
- Sieun Lee
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
A major strike shut down most of London's Tube network from September 7 to September 12, 2025, causing widespread disruption for millions of commuters and visitors in the capital. The strike was led by about 10,000 members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union over issues of pay, fatigue management, extreme shift patterns, and demands for a shorter working week.
Causes of the Strike
The RMT union called for industrial action after failed negotiations with Transport for London (TfL) regarding pay increases and improved working conditions. While TfL offered a 3.4% salary raise, union officials insisted that key issues including fatigue and compressed shift patterns were not adequately addressed, arguing that these problems affected the health and wellbeing of workers. The union also accused TfL management of not honouring previous agreements and failing to engage seriously over reductions in working hours.
Impact on Londoners
The strike brought London's Underground network to a near standstill, with almost all lines severely disrupted or suspended during the walkout. Some limited services ran on certain lines, but the vast majority of Tube stations were closed. Commuters turned to alternative modes of transportation such as buses, bikes, boats, and ride-sharing services, putting heavy pressure on above-ground options and causing significant delays and congestion citywide. Many commuters reported journeys taking twice as long as normal. The strike also affected students, workers, and businesses that depend on regular Tube services, forcing some institutions to move activities online or allow remote work.
Resolution Efforts and Next Steps
The strike officially ended at 8:00 AM BST on September 12, yet residual delays are ongoing as services recover. Following the industrial action, TfL invited the RMT union for further negotiations, expressing commitment to resolving the situation and restoring normal operations. Union officials described recent talks as encouraging but warned that further strikes could not be ruled out if demands remain unmet. Transport authorities advised Londoners to continue monitoring travel updates as the system returns to full service in the days ahead.
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