Residents in Watford who commute using the London Underground should prepare for significant travel disruption this week as RMT union members carry out four days of strike action. While the Underground network faces closures and reduced service, the London Overground Lioness line, which provides a direct link between Watford Junction and London Euston, will continue to operate as normal.
The strike action is set to take place in two parts: from midday on Tuesday 21 April to midday on Wednesday 22 April, and again from midday on Thursday 23 April to midday on Friday 24 April 2026. During these times, the Piccadilly and Circle lines will have no service, and other lines will face major reductions. For example, the Metropolitan line will not run between Baker Street and Aldgate, and the Central line will be suspended between White City and Liverpool Street.
Although Transport for London expects the Lioness line to run normally, the service is likely to be much busier than usual as commuters shift their travel plans away from the closed Tube lines. Passengers using Watford Junction are encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys throughout the week.
The dispute between the union and transport officials centres on a proposal to change working patterns. The organisation wants to move from a five-day working week to a four-day schedule with longer daily shifts. The union argues that these longer shifts could lead to driver fatigue and safety issues, while officials maintain that the changes are voluntary and would provide staff with an extra day off while improving service reliability.
The travel disruption arrives shortly before the TCS London Marathon on Sunday 26 April. Organisers have confirmed that the event will not be affected by the strikes, as alternative transport options including the London Overground, Elizabeth line, and national rail services are expected to operate as planned.
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