UPDATE on 25.2.25: All strikes have now been cancelled (27 February; 1, 8, 10 March)
If you're planning to use the Elizabeth line over the next couple of weeks, be aware of planned strikes that could lead to the shutdown of most services.
Members of ASLEF — the trade union representing 96% of the train drivers in England, Scotland and Wales — have voted on four 24-hour strikes on the Elizabeth line: on Thursday 27 February, Saturday 1 March, Saturday 8 March and Monday 10 March 2025. (ALL NOW CANCELLED)
TfL has warned that, should the strikes go ahead on 27 February and 1 March, there will be no service on most of the line, with a significantly reduced service operating on the section between Liverpool Street and Shenfield. Similar widespread inconvenience would likely take place during the strikes on 8 and 10 March.
No other TfL services are expected to be affected, except perhaps by a higher number of passengers than usual.
ASLEF members are striking in protest against pay and working conditions as set out by MTR, which runs the Elizabeth line on behalf of TfL. Says Mick Whelan, ASLEF's general secretary: "Our members have been instrumental in the success of the Elizabeth line — it's a partnership, in practice, between the company and its employees — but, despite our best efforts, MTR has decided not to recognise the input, the importance and the value of train drivers in this success."
Talks between MTR and ASLEF are believed to be taking place now. In recent months, many planned transport strikes of this nature in London have been averted at the eleventh hour — here's hoping that happens this time around too.
TfL's website has more information on the planned strikes.
