TL;DR
RMT members on London Underground have voted for 24-hour strikes on 2 and 4 June 2026 in a dispute over the TfL compressed four-day working week. Elizabeth line, London Overground and DLR are running. Pay-as-you-go journeys not made are not charged. Annual and monthly Travelcard refunds may apply.
Last reviewed 3 June 2026
Key facts
- The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) called 24-hour strike action on 2 June 2026 and 4 June 2026 affecting London Underground.
- The dispute centres on Transport for London's compressed four-day working week proposals.
- Elizabeth line, London Overground, DLR, trams and most bus services are not affected by Tube strike action.
- Pay-as-you-go users are not charged for journeys not made; touch-in errors can be corrected via TfL refunds.
- Travelcard holders affected by full service withdrawal can apply for partial refunds via TfL customer services.
What is happening and when
The RMT has confirmed 24-hour strike action by London Underground members on 2 June 2026 and 4 June 2026. The action follows a formal ballot of members and statutory notice to Transport for London. Disruption typically begins the evening before each strike day as services wind down and continues into the morning after as services ramp back up.
The dispute is over TfL's compressed working week proposals, under which staff would work the same contracted hours across fewer, longer days. The RMT position is that the proposals reduce safety margins and impose excessive shift lengths. TfL's position is that the change improves productivity without reducing pay.
London Underground typically advises customers not to attempt to travel on strike days. Stations may be closed for safety reasons even where some staff are not striking.
What is still running
The strike action affects London Underground only. Other TfL and national rail services in London continue:
Running normally (subject to demand): Elizabeth line, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway, trams, river services and the vast majority of buses.
Likely overcrowded: The Elizabeth line and Overground absorb significant Tube demand on strike days. Allow longer journey times and consider off-peak travel where possible.
National Rail: Mainline services into and out of London are not affected by the Tube strike. Some operators add extra carriages on strike days.
Cycle hire (Lime, Forest, Santander) and walking are the only fully strike-proof options for short London journeys.
Refunds and compensation
Refund rules depend on the ticket type:
Pay-as-you-go (Oyster or contactless): If a journey is not made, no fare is charged. If an incomplete journey results in a maximum fare being charged due to inability to touch out at a closed station, apply for a refund via the TfL website using the journey history.
Daily, weekly or monthly Travelcards: Refunds apply if the service is significantly disrupted for the duration of the ticket. Apply via TfL customer services with proof of the unused ticket.
Annual Travelcards: A partial refund is available, calculated against the daily rate of the ticket. Submit the unused ticket to TfL customer services.
National Rail Travelcards (including Tube): Refund claims go to the ticket issuer (the National Rail operator) not TfL. The issuer is shown on the ticket receipt.
Advisory: TfL Travelcard refund applications can take several weeks to process. Keep ticket evidence and submit promptly after the strike. Refund timescales are not contractual.
Related guides
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, insurance, or investment advice. Kael Tripton Ltd is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO ZC135439) as a data controller but is not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Figures and rules are correct at time of publication and may change. Always check the primary source linked below before acting on any information, and seek advice from a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Are Elizabeth line and Overground running during the Tube strike?
Yes. The RMT strike action affects London Underground only. Elizabeth line, London Overground, DLR, trams and buses continue to operate, though they will be busier than usual.
Will I be refunded for a Travelcard during the Tube strike?
Travelcard refunds apply when service is significantly disrupted. Apply to TfL customer services with proof of the unused ticket. Annual Travelcard partial refunds are calculated at the daily rate.
Do I get charged on pay-as-you-go if I cannot complete my journey?
If you do not make a journey, no fare is charged. If you touch in but cannot touch out at a closed station, you may receive a maximum fare. Claim a refund via the TfL website using your journey history.
Can my employer require me to travel on strike days?
Employment law does not entitle employees to refuse work because of public transport disruption. Discuss working from home or alternative travel with the employer. Employers cannot reasonably require unsafe travel arrangements.
