The first of two 24-hour strikes by some TfL (Transport for London) Tube drivers has begun today (Tuesday, 21 April).

London Underground services are facing mass disruption as Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, which represents roughly half of drivers on the Tube network, are striking over a TfL voluntary proposal to allow train operators to move to a shorter four-day week.

The union said that driver fatigue and safety would be compromised under the new plans from TfL as the working day would be too long.

However, TfL feel the strikes are "completely unnecessary" while Aslef, another Tube driver union, supports the deal as "exactly the sort every trade union should be trying to achieve".

The industrial action is scheduled from 12pm today for 24 hours to be followed by a second 24-hour period from Thursday and ending midday on Friday.

The Piccadilly and Circle lines are shut during the strikes and the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate, while Central line services are not running between White City and Liverpool Street.

Other lines are offering commuters a reduced service this week.

TfL said that there would be heavy disruption on most Tube lines but not as severe as strikes in September 2025 when members of both the Aslef and RMT unions took part.

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The four-day work week proposals from TfL, which are being trialled voluntarily on the Bakerloo line, would see drivers' working week reduced from 36 hours to 35 hours.

The RMT union is calling for a 32-hour four-day week for the same salary.

An Aslef spokesperson told BBC: "It will be the first strike in the history of the trade union movement designed to stop people having a shorter working week and more time off."

London Overground, Elizabeth line, DLR and tram services will be running as normal during the industrial action from RMT.

READ MORE: Tube strike dates announced as London Underground faces fresh disruption.

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