It’s easy to get angry at the unions or the operators, but remember: the people striking are often the same staff who helped you when your Oyster card broke or who smiled at your toddler. They’re real humans with real bills. They’re not doing it to ruin your day—they’re doing it because they believe their pay or conditions need fixing. You can be frustrated and still sympathise. It’s like being annoyed at your friend for cancelling plans, but understanding they needed a mental health day.
And let’s not forget the tube drivers themselves. They’re the ones who sit in a tiny cab for hours, dealing with signal failures and the occasional pigeon riding the train. A strike is their version of saying, “Hey, we deserve a little more.” It doesn’t make your delayed journey less annoying, but it adds a bit of perspective.
What to do if you’re caught in a strike today
If you’re reading this and there is a strike happening right now, take a deep breath. You have options. First, check if your line is affected—sometimes only certain branches are hit. Second, consider alternative routes. The Overground, DLR, or Thameslink might save you. Third, accept that you’ll be late and text your boss or your friend. Most people understand if you say, “Strike chaos, sorry.” It’s a London passcode that unlocks forgiveness.
Finally, treat yourself to something nice. If you have to wait an extra 20 minutes, buy a magazine or a fancy coffee. You deserve it for surviving the ordeal. And remember: the strike will end. The trains will run again. Life will return to its normal, slightly grumpy state. Until next time, at least—because, let’s be real, there’s probably another one just around the corner.
