Plans for a strike on the London Underground, which threatened to disrupt the city’s transport network this November, have been suspended. The train drivers’ union Aslef, alongside the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), initially announced strikes due to a pay dispute but have decided against it following an “improved offer” from transport bosses.
The announcement on Tuesday (5 November) by Aslef comes as a relief just days before the strikes were scheduled for 7 and 12 November. This decision follows closely on the heels of the RMT’s own suspension of planned strikes starting from 1 November. Both unions had expressed dissatisfaction with the previous pay offers which they deemed “inadequate” during earlier negotiations.
This isn’t the first time London’s transport was at the brink of disruption due to industrial action. The last city-wide strike in March 2023 halted the Tube network over issues concerning pensions and working conditions, causing significant traffic jams and overloading other public transport services like buses, trams, the Overground, DLR, and the Elizabeth line.
Why Were Strikes Planned?
Both Aslef and the RMT cited unresolved issues over pay, long working hours, and other workers’ reliefs, such as paid meals, as the primary reasons for the strike. The RMT, in particular, had rejected a pay deal that excluded a significant number of staff from collective bargaining rights. The union’s repeated calls for a fair deal led to their initial decision to strike, although they remained open to further negotiations.
Aslef’s decision to strike came after an overwhelming majority of its members voted in favor, spurred by an offer they found unsatisfactory compared to other TfL drivers’ compensation and work conditions.
Resolution and Suspension of Strikes
The turning point came after intense negotiations, which led to an improved offer from London Underground management. The RMT was the first to call off their strikes, citing the abandonment of proposed changes to pay structures that would now benefit all their members equally.
Aslef followed suit shortly after, with district organizer Finn Brennan announcing the suspension of the strikes planned for early November. Brennan highlighted that the fresh talks led to a better offer, which will be further discussed with union representatives.
What Does This Mean for TfL Passengers?
With the strikes now suspended, normal service on the London Underground is expected on the previously scheduled strike days. Claire Mann, TfL’s chief operating officer, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the fair and sustainable nature of the offer made to the trade unions. She encouraged continued cooperation with the unions to ensure a disruption-free future for London’s transport services.
