London Underground to face two-day strike action this week

Parts of London's underground, known as the Tube, will be shut for two days this week, after transport union leaders announced a strike on Monday.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) said workers will be encouraged to walk off the job on Tuesday and Thursday for 24 hours each day.

The action comes amid an ongoing labor dispute, after the union called off planned strikes last month to allow talks to continue.

Transport for London (TfL) confirmed that strikes were planned by "some Tube drivers," saying that while some lines will close, others are expected to remain open and operating.

"Despite our best efforts in ACAS talks, TfL have failed to provide assurances on our members deeply held concerns around fatigue, reduced flexibility, shift lengths and the impact these proposals could have in a safety-critical role like tube driving," RMT wrote on its X account.

"We remain available for meaningful talks, but strike action tomorrow will now go ahead," the post added.

How is service affected?

TfL responded to the RMT's announcement by saying it was disappointed that the union had chosen to go ahead with strike action, despite what it said were assurances over the new working pattern.

Authorities are expecting travel and commute on London's tube to be significantly impacted.

According to TfL, there will be no service on the Circle line or the Piccadilly line. No service is also expected on the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate, and on the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street.

TfL said that although it plans to offer service on the remaining lines, travelers should expect disruption, as service levels "will vary" across the network.

Passengers can also expect services to start late and finish early, with limited service before 6:30 a.m.

The agency also encouraged customers to "complete their journeys before 21:00" on both strike days.

Edited by: Louis Oelofse