RMT London Tube Strike Hits Six Days, £230m Economic Impact

London is bracing for six days of severe disruption to its Underground network due to planned strikes by the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union, starting September 7 and continuing through September 11. The RMT demands a reduction in the working week from 35 to 32 hours alongside a pay increase, citing fatigue and extreme shift rotations impacting workers' health, while Transport for London (TfL) argues the demands are unaffordable and impractical given its nearly £13 billion debt. The strikes, affecting almost all Tube lines with limited or no service, have been confirmed after nine months of failed negotiations, with the RMT accusing TfL management of a dismissive approach that has fueled anger and distrust among staff. TfL has offered a 3.4% pay rise, which the union has rejected, and the dispute has escalated with threats to ballot cleaners over pay and working conditions. The economic impact of the strikes is expected to reach £230 million, with political figures such as Conservative London Assembly leader Susan Hall blaming Mayor Sadiq Khan for the ongoing unrest and calling for stronger leadership. While the Elizabeth Line, London Overground, trams, and buses are expected to remain operational, commuters face significant travel chaos as the strike looms.