Next week is going to be rough with strikes on the Tube and DLR from Friday, September 5th, to Thursday, September 11th.A lot of TfL people are striking, so most of the Underground will be closed. The DLR will be totally shut down on certain days, too.
It’s not just one strike, but a bunch of smaller ones with different groups striking each day. It kicks off Friday evening with the control managers. Then on Sunday, it’s the emergency teams, control center staff, and people who work on the power system. On Monday and Wednesday, it’ll be the fleet, engineering, station, and train staff. Tuesday and Thursday will involve signallers and service control. So, yeah, getting around the city will not be easy.
TfL is warning that train delays could last past 8 a.m., and some lines might run fewer trains. The Elizabeth Line and Overground should still be going, but they’ll probably be packed. Buses and taxis will likely be busy, too.
Restaurants and bars are worried that the strike will cut into their earnings. Folks in the business are saying it’s going to be tough. They’ve already had to let go of staff and haven’t seen many customers lately, so a week of strikes could really hit them hard.
A few events in London have been moved because of the strikes. Like, Coldplay changed their Wembley Stadium concert dates from September 7th and 8th to September 6th and 12th. Your tickets are still good for the new dates, or you can get a refund if you can’t make it.
Unions are saying these strikes are needed to fix issues with pay, workload, and the job situation. A lot of Londoners aren’t happy about when and how big these strikes are. If you have to use public transport, plan to leave early, walk a bunch, put up with crowded trains, or change your plans around.
London is expecting a tough week. TfL is saying to check for updates and leave earlier than you normally would. Since there are so many workers striking at the same time, expect more cars on the road and really full trains.
