LONDON: Millions of commuters and businesses across London are bracing for a week of disruption as workers on the London Underground commenced a five-day strike on Sunday, forcing widespread station closures and threatening to paralyse the capital’s transport backbone.

By Sunday evening, several lines had already ground to a halt, with Transport for London (TfL) confirming there would be little to no service from Monday through Thursday. The strike, called by the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, underscores a protracted dispute over pay and working conditions.

The Tube, which typically carries up to five million passengers daily, is facing industrial action not only from drivers but also from signalling and maintenance staff. The union rejected TfL’s offer of a 3.4% pay increase, describing it as inadequate amid surging living costs, and is also pressing for shorter working hours.

The impact of the strike is spilling over into the events sector. Live Nation UK was forced to postpone two sold-out concerts by US artist Post Malone at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, citing an inability to guarantee safe transport for tens of thousands of attendees.

The confrontation puts further pressure on TfL, already grappling with pandemic-related revenue shortfalls and higher operating costs. Analysts warn that prolonged disruption could weigh on London’s productivity, consumer spending, and the city’s attractiveness as a hub for global events.