Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union walked out from 00:01 on Tuesday 2 June, with strike action running until 23:59. A further 24 hour strike is planned for Thursday 4 June.
The latest walkout comes after planned Tube strikes in May were suspended following further talks between RMT and Transport for London over proposed changes to driver working patterns.
Transport for London said disruption was expected across the network, with no service expected on some lines and delays or part suspensions on others.
The NTIA said the disruption would hit hospitality, leisure, tourism and night time economy businesses across the capital, many of which are already facing rising costs, weaker consumer confidence and reduced discretionary spending.
‘Major setback’
Chief executive Michael Kill said the strike action represented “another major setback” for London operators.
He said: “Businesses across the capital rely heavily on office workers, commuters, visitors and tourists travelling into central London, and any disruption to the transport network has an immediate and measurable impact on footfall, trade and consumer confidence.
“For many hospitality businesses, particularly independent operators, the loss of customers caused by transport disruption is simply unaffordable in the current economic climate.
“Venues are already facing rising operating costs, increased employment costs and continued pressure on consumer spending. Another day of significantly reduced trade only adds to those challenges.”
Continued uncertainty
Kill said the prospect of further strike action later in the week and into the weekend was particularly concerning for venues that plan staffing, bookings and events around expected footfall.
He added: “Hospitality businesses plan and staff their operations around expected demand, with weekends representing some of the most important trading periods of the week.
“Continued uncertainty not only affects daily revenue but also impacts bookings, events, staffing and the wider visitor economy.”
The NTIA said disruption to transport links affected not only pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants, but also theatres, cultural venues, attractions and the wider visitor economy.
Kill said the capital’s hospitality and night time economy supported hundreds of thousands of jobs and generated billions of pounds in economic activity.
He added: “We fully recognise the importance of constructive industrial relations, but we urgently call on all parties to reach a resolution.
“London’s businesses, workers and visitors need confidence in the transport network, and the capital’s economy cannot afford prolonged disruption at a time when many businesses remain financially vulnerable.”
Previous analysis from UKHospitality found London Underground strikes across 2023 and 2024 cut average hospitality sales in Zone 1 by 32%, with pubs and bars down 38%.
Separately, Harri data from April found hospitality revenue across London fell 18% during recent industrial action, with pubs among the hardest hit operators.
Operators previously told The MA that uncertainty ahead of strikes was increasingly becoming one of the biggest commercial challenges, with bookings and staffing plans disrupted before industrial action even begins.
