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It’s been well over two years (coming up to three) since London’s rail workers first started striking over issues like pay, working conditions and job security. And while in recent months industrial action in the capital has mellowed (ASLEF voted to approve a pay deal and then called off strikes on November), the strikes aren’t completely over.
Over the Christmas and New Year period several smaller-scale strikes took place across London’s transport network, and more industrial action is taking place for several months on Avanti West Coast services. These have already begun, and they’ll last until the end of May (at least).
Earlier this month it was announced that nearly 500 drivers on the Elizabeth would be walking out over a pay dispute across four weeks. This week, however, the first bout of those strikes were called off – here’s everything we currently know, from dates to which services and lines will be affected.
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All you need to know about the train strikes across the UK.
Find out how to get to London’s airports during strikes here.
When are the next London train strikes?
The latest strikes to be announced are by Elizabeth line drivers. Drivers who are members of ASLEF were supposed to walk out for four days in February and March, though the first two of these days has now been cancelled.
The Avanti West Coast strikes took place on New Year’s Eve and January 2, and will follow every Sunday between January 12 and May 25. Find out more here.
How long will the London train strikes last?
The Avanti West Coast strikes will last five months – three more to go! The planned Elizabeth line strikes will take place over one weekend in early March.
When will the Elizabeth line be on strike?
Following RMT strikes on New Year’s Eve, more industrial action from ASLEF members is planned on the following dates:
- Saturday, March 8
- Monday, March 10
Read more about those strikes here.
Why are UK train workers striking?
Explaining the Avanti West Coast strikes, an RMT spokesperson said: ‘Our members have resoundingly rejected Avanti’s latest offers in two referendums and sustained strike action is now the only way to focus management’s minds on reaching a negotiated settlement with the union.’
The ASLEF Elizabeth line strikes are also over a pay dispute. Mick Whelan, ASLEF's general secretary, said: ‘Our members have been instrumental in the success of the Elizabeth line but, despite our best efforts, MTR has decided not to recognise the input, the importance, and the value of train drivers in this success.’
Will strikes affect the Eurostar?
Eurostar is not expected to be affected by any strike dates. Find the latest details on the Eurostar website.
When are the next tube strikes?
There are currently no tube strikes scheduled for London’s transport network. Tube lines may be busier during Elizabeth line strikes.
Is the London Overground on strike?
Strikes on the Overground (somewhat recently renamed and re-coloured) around this time last year were suspended. No more action is planned, though the orange line could be affected by the disruption of tube and Elizabeth line strikes.
How to get to London airports during strikes
Tubes and trains are rarely on strike at the same time, so travellers can usually get the other, non-striking one to the airport. If you plan on using the Elizabeth line to get to Heathrow, you can always use the Piccadilly line or Heathrow Express.
Coaches frequently run from central and outer London areas by the likes of National Express. All airports are also, obvs, all accessible by road – whether you’d like to drive or get a taxi. Expect higher levels of traffic during strike days.
What do the government’s anti-strike laws mean for London?
A bill requiring striking workers to meet ‘minimum service levels’ was passed by the Conservative government in 2023. The anti-strike legislation supposedly ensures ‘minimum service levels’ on key public services, including trains, theoretically making it pretty difficult for things to grind to a complete halt.
In practice, however, the law was not effectively put into practice. The current Labour government confirmed last summer that it was rolling back the law, telling employers not to enforce it while it passes a new law to formally abolish it.
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