London Tube strike – latest: Victoria and Jubilee among lines disrupted during Friday rush hour

Five Tube lines will be severely affected this morning by strike action taken by London Underground (LU) workers.

Transport for London (TfL) said the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines will be severely disrupted for 24 hours from 4.30am on Friday.

Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) members are also planning to strike on six other nights: this Saturday (27 November), and on Friday 3 December, Saturday 4, Friday 10, Saturday 11, and Friday 17.

As the strikes cross into Friday evening rush hour, only 58 per cent of the regularly scheduled service is running, Andy Lord, managing director of London Underground confirmed.

The Mayor of London said the strike action came at the “worst possible time” as shoppers attempted to attend Black Friday sales and Londoners anticipated the return of the Night Tube. Sadiq Khan urged RMT to return to negotiations after accusing the union of refusing to meet TfL for crunch talks yesterday.

The RMT has said that LU has abolished 200 Tube driver positions and has imposed “unacceptable and intolerable” new rotas on existing drivers to cover Night Tube services. The union says this would “wreck the work-life balance” of members.

Read More

Tube strike to cause travel chaos in London

London Tube strike tomorrow: Is walkout going ahead and which lines will be affected?

London tube strike updates

• Lines unaffected by strike likely to be ‘much busier’ than usual

• Why are Tube drivers striking?

• Grant Shapps calls for unions to get services running again

• Several train lines disrupted amid strikes

• Uber prices may surge 150 per cent

Friday 26 November 2021 00:30 , Katy Clifton

Good morning and welcome to our live blog, where we will post updates throughout the day on the London Underground strike.

Why are Tube drivers striking? Here’s a quick recap

Friday 26 November 2021 00:32 , Lamiat Sabin

London Underground (LU) workers are now on strike from now, and services on the Tube will be severely affected on five major lines.

The industrial dispute is over new Tube drivers’ rotas that transport union RMT has slammed as “intolerable”.

LU is requiring drivers to work more shifts to cover weekends and nights after the restarting of the Night Tube.

The RMT has said LU has axed 200 driver positions and scrapped its previous agreement with drivers that had made the Night Tube “a success” – before the night-time services were suspended as a result of the Covid pandemic.

LU had said it was “disappointed” that RMT members were going to go on strike, and added it was open to further talks.

RMT said that Tube management claimed the union was refusing to engage in further discussions, which RMT regional organiser John Leach said on Thursday was “not true”.

More details about the strike here from Joe Sommerlad

Is the London Tube strike going ahead tomorrow and which lines will be affected?

Lines unaffected by strike likely to be ‘much busier’ than usual

Friday 26 November 2021 02:00 , Katy Clifton

Transport for London (TfL) is warning that lines unaffected by the strike are likely to be “much busier” than usual.

Five out of 11 lines – Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria – will be severely disrupted by the strike that will take place on a number of days before Christmas.

TfL added: “Thameslink services and buses through central London are also expected to be busier than normal.”

More here from our travel correspondent Simon Calder

Tube strike to cause travel chaos in London

Friday 26 November 2021 03:00 , Katy Clifton

Transport for London has urged commuters to check before they travel.

Further information on alternative transport can be found on its website.

TFL warns buses and roads to be busier than normal

Friday 26 November 2021 03:53 , Shweta Sharma

Transport for London has warned of busier than usual buses and local roads in central London as RMT union members are starting the first of its 24-hour walkouts on Friday morning.

TFL urged commuters to plan more time for journeys as delays are expected and consider walking or cycling.

“If the strikes go ahead, we will operate as many services as possible, but this will depend on staffing levels on the day,” it added.

London Underground says serious consequences in the run-up to Christmas

Friday 26 November 2021 04:19 , Shweta Sharma

Nick Dent, director of London Underground customer operations, said the strike by RMT was “avoidable” and it might have serious consequences as it comes ahead of Christmas.

Dent said the strike “will threaten London’s recovery from the pandemic, despite no job losses and more flexibility and job certainty for drivers”.

“While every other union has agreed to these changes and our staff have been enjoying the benefits of the changes since August, we’re willing to work with the RMT and review the changes after Night Tube services have returned,” he added.

He said a review is only possible if RMT agrees to meet officials for talks and withdraw from proposed strikes.

“If the RMT refuses to engage with us and carries out its unnecessary action, which is timed to cause maximum disruption for our customers looking to enjoy London during the festive season, Londoners are advised to check before they travel on days of planned strike action.”

Tube status latest as strike begins

Friday 26 November 2021 05:08 , Shweta Sharma

Operations on the Central and Piccadilly lines of the London Underground were suspended on Friday morning as a 24-hour planned strike begins, threatening disruptions to London in the run up to Christmas.

TFL said there will be “no service due to strike action by the RMT” on the Central line while valid tickets will be accepted on buses and Network Rail services.

Shortly after, services were also suspended on Piccadilly line.

The status of tube services on Victoria, Northern, Waterloo & City and Jubilee remained “special services” which means operations at a reduced frequency.

Services on other lines remain unaffected.

Waterloo & City line suspended

Friday 26 November 2021 05:13 , Shweta Sharma

Operations on the Waterloo and City line are now also suspended as a result of the RMT strikes.

Services remain suspended on the Central and Piccadilly lines.

Services on Central line partially resumed

Friday 26 November 2021 05:41 , Shweta Sharma

Shuttle services have been resumed on the Central line between White City and Ealing Broadway. The rest of the stations remain out of service.

The London Overground line is also functioning on “reduced service” while Jubilee line’s status was updated to special services from suspended.

Commuters complain of long and stressful journeys amid Tube strike

Friday 26 November 2021 06:35 , Shweta Sharma

Several Londoners expressed fears over commuting on Friday morning as a Tube strike threatened to bring the city to a grinding halt, with services disrupted in many parts.

A Twitter user named Lauren said she is “very anxious” about the strike. “It takes me 1.5 hours to get to work if everything goes to plan, so it’s going to be at least 2 hours. Really wishing I didn’t make promises to patients before I knew about it. I don’t know how I only just found out!”

Another Twitter user with handle @insidequeer said she will finish her sixth night shift in a row on Friday morning and the Tube strike is going to make her commute “long and stressful”.

“Do I have sympathy with them? Yes I do. Can I support such drastic Tube strike? No I can’t. Those of us out have to use the Tube, we would work from home if we could,” she said.

The strike also offers particular inconvenience for disabled people, who might have to wait in long queues to access the network.

Strike action was ‘avoidable’ RMT Union boss says

Friday 26 November 2021 07:17 , Thomas Kingsley

Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union boss, Mick Lynch said that several efforts were made to resolve issues with TfL and strike action was avoidable.

“This strike action, and its serious consequences in the run-up to Christmas, was avoidable if the Tube management hadn’t axed dedicated Night Tube staff and perfectly workable arrangements in order to cut staffing numbers and costs.

He added that the strike is about cuts to Night Tube staff after which is returning after pressure from women’s safety campaigners.

“This strike is about the ripping apart of popular and family-friendly agreements that helped make the original Night Tube such a success,” he said. “Instead the company want to cut costs and lump all drivers into a pool where they can be kicked from pillar to post at the behest of the management.”

Tube strike lines update

Friday 26 November 2021 07:32 , Thomas Kingsley

As Tube strikes continue this morning, this is the current service status across affected TfL train lines:

- Waterloo and City Line: Suspended

- Piccadilly Line: Suspended

- Central Line: Special service - Shuttle services are in operation between White City and Ealing Broadway Hainault and Liverpool Street, Leytonstone and Epping, Woodford and Hainault, and West Ruislip and North Acton. No service on the rest of the line

- Jubilee Line: Special service - Service is operating at a reduced frequency due to strike action.

- Northern Line: Special service - Service is operating at a reduced frequency due to strike action.

- Victoria Line: Special service - Service is operating at a reduced frequency due to strike action.

- Circle Line: Minor delays due to train cancellations

Tube strikes hit London Black Friday plans

Friday 26 November 2021 07:55 , Thomas Kingsley

As the Tube strikes continue across multiple train lines, Londoners have been forced to rethink their Black Friday shopping plans. The shopping event was poised to be a boost for retailers hard hit by the pandemic.

The New West End Company which represents 600 businesses in central London said the prospect of disruptions is “extremely frustrating,” the Financial Times reported.

“Just as trade and football is picking up, and hard hit businesses are seeing a Christmas boost, this will be a boost,” said Jace Tyrrell, the group’s chief executive.

Tube strike disruption ‘solely down to management failure’ union bosses say

Friday 26 November 2021 08:10 , Thomas Kingsley

RMT union general secretary Mick Lynch has said this morning’s disruptions are solely down to failures of TfL management.

“The Tube strike action this morning is rock solid in all depots and the widespread impact on services is solely down to management failure to recognise and address the anger of their staff at the imposition of damaging and unacceptable working practices,” Mick Lynch said.

He added: “Our members have spoken this morning and it’s time for London Underground to start listening.

“This is just the start of a programme of action and the mayor and his officials need to recognise our determination to defend progressive and family friendly working practices. We remain available for talks.”

London Underground and buses face cutbacks and cycle schemes could be axed without urgent funding

Friday 26 November 2021 08:17 , Thomas Kingsley

London’s bus services could be slashed by one-fifth and Tubes by almost one-tenth if the government does not step in with £1.9bn of extra cash, Sadiq Khan has warned.

It is the opening salvo of the latest in a series of running battles the capital’s mayor has had with the government over funding, which has been crunched due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Khan has traded blows with Boris Johnson, who preceded him as mayor, over the running of Transport for London (TfL) since Covid-19 hit and revenue plummeted thanks to a collapse in passenger numbers.

Our reporter Jon Sharman has the full story below:

Tubes and buses face cutbacks and cycle schemes could be axed without urgent funds

Piccadilly line opens reduced service as commuters take to the Tube

Friday 26 November 2021 08:27 , Thomas Kingsley

The Piccadilly line is now operating a special limited service between Arnos Grove and Cockfosters which is running approximately every eight minutes.

There is still no service on the rest of the line and the Waterloo and City line remains completely suspended due to strike action.

RMT union ‘rock solid’ amid strike battle

Friday 26 November 2021 08:35 , Thomas Kingsley

RMT representatives have tweeted pictures from the its ‘rock solid’ strike action picket line:

Transport secretary appeals to unions to ‘not disrupt lives'

Friday 26 November 2021 08:50 , Thomas Kingsley

Grant Shapps told LBC: “I absolutely appeal to the unions to not disrupt everyone’s lives. We have had enough disruption through coronavirus.

“This is a dispute between TfL, the workers there, and the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, so I don’t have a direct role in it.

“I would just appeal for them to get round a table and get these services running. This is the last thing that Londoners need. I urge them to think again.”

London Underground boss apologises for disruption

Friday 26 November 2021 09:14 , Thomas Kingsley

The managing director of the London Underground has apologised for the disruptions faced by Londoners attempting to use the service today amid tube strikes.

Speaking on BBC Radio London Andy Lord said: “The vast majority of drivers are happy with the changes, it is a small minority who are striking.

“We are providing more flexible working rosters for all the drivers and those who wanted to stay as part-time on the Night Tube still are.

“I would encourage the RMT Union to get back round the table.”

Londoners face severe disruptions to transport services

Friday 26 November 2021 09:29 , Thomas Kingsley

Images show Londoners crammed onto Tube lines amid severe disruption to the service due to strikes.

Tube driver says colleagues ‘don’t understand’ strikes

Friday 26 November 2021 09:52 , Thomas Kingsley

A Tube driver has said many of his colleagues “don’t understand” why Tube strikes are taking place due to changes to night shifts.

“People are laughing at them,” the driver told LBC.

Update: Circle line severely disrupted

Friday 26 November 2021 10:30 , Thomas Kingsley

The Circle line is now facing severe disruptions according to Transport for London.

The line has been unaffected by the RMT strike - however TfL has said there are currently “severe delays” on the whole line due to “cancelled trains”.

Tube strikes are ‘unnecessary attack’ on Londoners, says London Assembly member

Friday 26 November 2021 10:46 , Thomas Kingsley

Conservative London Assembly member Emma Best called the tube strikes “an unnecessary attack on London’s commuters & visitors.”

Writing on Twitter, the deputy leader of Conservatives Waltham Forest said: “Other unions have already agreed the changes which ask drivers to work just four night shifts a year. For a global, 24/7 city, that is a wholly reasonable request.”

Tube strikes spark Steps concert fears

Friday 26 November 2021 11:03 , Thomas Kingsley

Furious Steps fans have taken to social media amid fears the Tube strikes will disrupt tonight’s concert by the iconic group.

Pop group Steps are due to play at the 02 Arena in North Greenwich tonight - a venue served by the Jubilee Line which is severely disrupted due to strike action.

Fans can expect busier train routes as they attempt to journey to the concert.

All the possible TfL strike action dates

Friday 26 November 2021 11:25 , Thomas Kingsley

Today marks the start of what could be weeks of strike action involving RMT union drivers.

Below are all the dates TfL could see strike action if an agreement is not reached between TfL and RMT:

4:30am 26 November – 04:29am 27 November (Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria)

8:30pm 27 November – 04:29am 28 November (Central & Victoria)

8:30pm 3 December – 04:29am 4 December (Central & Victoria)

8:30pm 4 December – 04:29am 5 December (Central & Victoria)

8:30pm 10 December – 04:29am 11 December (Central & Victoria)

8:30pm 11 December – 04:29am 12 December (Central & Victoria)

8:30pm 17 December – 04:29am 18 December (Central & Victoria)

04:30am 18 December – 04:29am 19 December (Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly & Victoria)

Sadiq Khan slams ‘disappointing’ union for not attending last minute resolution talks

Friday 26 November 2021 11:36 , Thomas Kingsley

The Mayor of London has hit out at Tube strike action today, branding it “unnecessary.”

“This unnecessary strike action by RMT is causing widespread disruption for millions of Londoners and will also hit London’s retail, culture and hospitality at the worst possible time,” Sadiq Khan said.

He also branded RMT “disappointing” for refusing to attend last-minute resolution talks with TfL yesterday.

“The Night Tube has an important part to play in our capital’s recovery and helps to improve safety for everyone, especially women and girls making their way home at night,” he added.

Over a third of Tube service impacted by strike action

Friday 26 November 2021 11:47 , Thomas Kingsley

Andy Lord, managing director of London Underground, said: “We are currently running 58 per cent of our usual scheduled service, despite the RMT’s strike action on five London Underground lines today, but there are significant impacts on the affected lines.

“This frustrating strike action is the last thing that London needs as it recovers from the pandemic and we have done everything we can to get this unnecessary action called off.

“We are doing all we can to provide as good a service as possible for Londoners and visitors on the Tube network today, with staff and travel ambassadors on hand at stations to assist customers. We’re advising everyone to check before they travel and leave more time for journeys.”

Uber Boat offers a helping hand to Steps fans

Friday 26 November 2021 12:05 , Thomas Kingsley

Uber Boat has announced it will offer an extended post-show service to help fans leave the 02 Arena after the Steps concert tonight.

Possible disruption for football fans this weekend

Friday 26 November 2021 12:30 , Thomas Kingsley

Football fans travelling across London could also face disruption travelling to matches over the coming weeks if strikes continue.

Arsenal, West Ham, Tottenham and Chelsea fans, in particular, can expect major disruption to weekend Premier League fixtures with proposed RMT strikes.

Strikes hit night workers badly, says Amy Lame

Friday 26 November 2021 13:15 , Thomas Kingsley

Mayor of London night czar Amy Lame highlighted the impact of the strikes on night workers.

She said: “The Night Tube is a crucial mode of transport for those working at night or out enjoying all the capital has to offer.

“Alongside @SadiqKhan I urge the RMT to come back to the table for talks.”

‘Little to no service’ expected on the Night Tube, TfL says

Friday 26 November 2021 13:30 , Thomas Kingsley

The Night Tube planned to restart today after a year without service due to the pandemic, however ongoing strike action means there will be “little to no service” expected tonight, a TfL spokesperson told ITV.

Campaigns in recent months urged TfL to resume the Night Tube to provide safer night transport amid incidents of violence against women and girls.

Travel update: Piccadilly Line now suspended

Friday 26 November 2021 13:45 , Thomas Kingsley

The Piccadilly Line is now completely suspended after running a limited service earlier in the day. The Waterloo and City Line remains suspended while limited services continue on the Victoria, Northern, Jubilee, Hammersmith and City and Central lines.

The Circle line continues to face severe delays.

Union bosses hit out at Sadiq Khan

Friday 26 November 2021 14:25 , Thomas Kingsley

The general secretary of the Communication Workers Union has slammed the Mayor of London, accusing him of not backing workers who are being “mistreated.”

Responding to Sadiq Khan’s tweet urging RMT to return to the negotiation table, Dave Ward said: “I’ll tell you what’s unnecessary - a Labour Mayor not showing solidarity with workers who are being mistreated. Nobody votes for and then takes strike action unless it’s a last resort.”

RMT respond to the Mayor of London

Friday 26 November 2021 14:28 , Thomas Kingsley

Travel Update: Hammersmith and City Line faces severe delays

Friday 26 November 2021 15:06 , Thomas Kingsley

The Hammersmith and City Line is the latest service to face severe delays amid strikes. According to TfL, cancelled trains has led to delays on the line.

Severe delays continue on the Circle line. With rush hour due to begin again later this afternoon, passengers can expect more delays through the evening.

Travel Update: Central line now running to Liverpool Street

Friday 26 November 2021 15:24 , Thomas Kingsley

The Central Line is now running a shuttle service from Liverpool Street to Hainault and Epping.

It is also running a partial service between White City and Ealing Broadway, Woodford and Hainault, and West Ruislip and North Acton.

There is no service on the rest of the line due to strike action by the RMT.

“Valid tickets being accepted on local buses, London Overground, DLR, and Network Rail,” Transport for London said.

Uber prices may surge 150 per cent due to Tube strikes

Friday 26 November 2021 16:06 , Thomas Kingsley

Uber prices could surge by up to 150 per cent amid Tube strikes, research by Essential Living has said.

According to the research, the average price of 3km journey in London is £6.61 but when it comes to surge charging it can cost up to £16.56. The study also found that riders requesting luxury cars can pay up to 88 per cent more during surges.

London to Scotland rail closures bring further travel misery

Friday 26 November 2021 16:26 , Tom Batchelor

Compounding the Tube disruption is the approaching Storm Arwen, which has prompted police and rail companies to warn against travel this weekend.

Train operator London North Eastern Railway has issued a “do not travel” alert to customers as its services will be “significantly disrupted due to severe weather“ until Sunday.

The firm runs trains on the East Coast Main Line between London and Scotland, calling at stations including Leeds, York, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

Network Rail will close the East Coast route north of Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, from 5pm on Friday.

Passengers are being warned further closures could be imposed elsewhere on the route.

Warrick Dent, LNER safety and operations director, said: “We are encouraging our customers with tickets dated for today, November 26, and this coming weekend to defer their travel arrangements where possible.

“We expect services to be extremely busy throughout the weekend and advise customers to check our website and social channels for the latest information.”

Tube strike causing ‘nightmare’ for travellers

Friday 26 November 2021 17:01 , Tom Batchelor

The Tube strikes are causing some to have “nightmare” journeys across London this evening.

One person wrote: “Tube strikes + Black Friday + trying to get to Bournemouth = an actual nightmare.”

Another appealed for leniency from train company LNER on Twitter: “Because of the tube strike it’s looking like we will miss our LNER are we able to get another train?”

For others, poor Covid etiquette added to their woes: “A tube crammed full of people due to strikes and considerably less than half are not wearing masks, fun times...”

‘Luckily the Jubilee line has a glass wall for safety’

Friday 26 November 2021 17:24 , Tom Batchelor

Joe Swaffham, 36, who commutes from North Greenwich to Moorgate to work for a maintenance firm, said his journey took twice as long and made him 45 minutes late for work today.

“Commuters were being less forgiving when trying to get on trains and I got pushed two-throw down the platform -€“ luckily the Jubilee line has a glass wall for safety,” he told Reuters.

“But I think the train workers shouldn’t have to be forced into hours they didn’t sign up for,” he added.

Thameslink services cancelled due to staff shortages

Friday 26 November 2021 17:54 , Tom Batchelor

Commuters are also being hit by cancellations on the Thameslink network between Sutton and St Albans via central London – a line which runs through south London stations including Elephant and Castle, Loughborough Junction and Herne Hill.

The Thameslink Twitter account said the cancellations and delays on Friday evening were due to “unavailability of train crew”.

Queue for taxis in central London

Friday 26 November 2021 18:19 , Tom Batchelor

BBC London’s transport correspondent, Tom Edwards, reports that there are long queues for taxis in central London as people find alternatives to the Tube.

But cycling still remains the fastest way to get around the city, regardless of striking Tube drivers.

Tube strike in pictures

Friday 26 November 2021 19:40 , Tom Batchelor

Tube strike to run until 4.29am on Saturday

Friday 26 November 2021 20:32 , Tom Batchelor

The current Tube strike is set to last until 4.29am tomorrow, affecting the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines.

The Tube will run a normal service on Saturday until 8.30pm, when a strike on the Central and Victoria lines will run until 4.29am on Sunday.

Night tube will relaunch on Saturday, says TfL

Friday 26 November 2021 21:05 , Tom Batchelor

The night Tube is to relaunch on Saturday evening despite today’s strikes, Nick Dent, Transport for London’s director of customer relations, told BBC London.

“We’re confident we’ll be running a night Tube service on the Victoria and Central lines,” he said.

“It’s a very important milestone for London.”

Friday 26 November 2021 23:37 , Katy Clifton

There are currently severe delays on the Bakerloo line and minor delays on the London Overground.

The Central, Jubilee, Northern and Victoria lines continue to run an altered service due to the strikes.

Click here for more information on the current service updates.

01:06 , Katy Clifton

We are pausing our live updates for the night. We will be back first thing with more live updates.

Minor delays affecting Central and Circle

06:36 , Anuj Pant

Transport for London has updated its schedule, showing minor delays due to train cancellations currently affecting Central and Circle lines.

No service between Bank/Tower Gateway and Poplar/West India Quay on Saturday and Sunday

06:40 , Anuj Pant

Transport for London, in its updated schedule, has said the DLR line will face part closures. There will be no service between Bank/Tower Gateway and Poplar/West India Quay on Saturday (27 November) and Sunday (28 November).

Meanwhile, replacement buses will operate between Bank and Canary Wharf, calling at Tower Gateway, Shadwell, Limehouse and Westferry.

Minor delays on Picadilly line

06:49 , Anuj Pant

There will be minor delays between Cockfosters and Rayners Lane because of train cancellations, according to Transport for London’s latest schedule