Disruption imminent: Union RMT faces 24-hour deadline to avoid potential transportation chaos on the Tube

London's Transport for London (TfL) has issued a 24-hour deadline to the RMT union, threatening a significant tube disruption next week, as negotiations between the two parties for a resolution remain stagnant.

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2025 September 15 . 6:47 AM

2 min read

Disruption to London's subway service: RMT union given one day to prevent transportation chaos

Disruption imminent: Union RMT faces 24-hour deadline to avoid potential transportation chaos on the Tube

London's Transport for London (TfL) and the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union are locked in a dispute over working conditions and pay, with no resolution in sight.

According to reports in The Standard, the two sides are not close to a deal, with discussions described as "disappointing" by the RMT union and TfL as "intransigent."

TfL's director of London Underground customer operations, Nick Dent, has stated that the current deal for staff is "the best in the industry." London Underground employees currently work a 35-hour working week and receive free travel across the entire TfL network. Tube drivers earn more than £70,000, while station staff start at a minimum of £35,000, with this figure normally rising to £46,000 within a year of employment.

However, the RMT union, led by Eddie Dempsey, has rejected the pay deal and made demands around working hours and perks. Dempsey has called for a 32-hour working week, and overtime for London Underground staff adds up to additional annual leave, typically amounting to an extra 15 days.

TfL has warned that even half an hour off the working week would cost tens of millions of pounds for the organization. The organization has stated that the calls for a shorter working week are unaffordable.

In an attempt to break the impasse, the RMT union has made overtures, but these have been rejected so far. As a result, the strikes remain on. Last year, London Mayor Sadiq Khan handed over £30m from City Hall budget to avoid a strike.

Transport for London has warned that a major tube strike next week could shut down every Underground line and the DLR, causing significant disruption to the city. TfL jobs are highly sought after, and senior positions are often only open to internal applicants.

At the time of writing, there is no information available about the next working day Eddie Dempsey, the head of the RMT union, will announce for giving a speech about the Tube strike.