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Strikes have no place in a competitive market economy

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23.04.2026

Thursday 23 April 2026 5:56 am  |  Updated:  Wednesday 22 April 2026 4:16 pm

Strikes have no place in a competitive market economy

By: Tom Harwood

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LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 20: A sign warns travellers at Stratford underground station of the upcoming industrial action by the RMT union, on April 20, 2026 in London, England. A series of 24-hour strikes by London Underground workers will start tomorrow, causing widespread disruption to the city's transport system. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union recently voted for strike action in relation to a plan for a 4-day work week, citing concerns about shift lengths, working time arrangements and the impact of fatigue on safety. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

There is no reason why Tube drivers on objectively high incomes with working conditions many would kill for are able to force their employers to ask of them even fewer hours and even more pay – and the employers are forbidden by the state from simply hiring other people, says Tom Harwood

I’m just going to say it. Strikes are dumb. Antiquated. Anachronistic. Utterly out of step with the modern world. And I’m not just saying this now because the RMT has been doing its best to ruin my week.........

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