The RMT union has announced the suspension of planned strikes by London Underground workers after progress was made in pay negotiations.
The industrial action, which was set to begin on the evening of 1 November and continue on various dates until 8 November, was called off following an improved pay proposal.
The potential disruption had been part of a wider dispute over pay. Despite the breakthrough for RMT members, strikes planned by the drivers’ union Aslef are still expected to proceed.
Aslef members are set to walk out on 7 and 12 November, with further action planned later in the month. The impact of these strikes is predicted to be minimal as Aslef represents a smaller group of Tube drivers.
According to reports, Transport for London (TfL) has maintained an offer of a 3.8% pay increase, which could translate to an additional £2,500 per year for Tube drivers. If accepted, this would elevate their annual salaries to £70,000 for the first time.
Aslef, however, remains unsatisfied with the current terms. A letter from Finn Brennan, Aslef’s London organiser, addressed to union members and shared with The Telegraph, stated: “There is nothing new in this pay offer for train drivers or Instructor Operators. It leaves you working more days per week and longer hours than drivers on the Elizabeth line or London Overground for less money. We are not prepared to see drivers sacrificed so that others can be satisfied.”
An RMT spokesperson confirmed the suspension of their strike action, saying: “Following intense negotiations with London Underground management and a significantly improved offer, we have suspended the strikes scheduled to start this evening. London Underground have sensibly abandoned their proposed changes to pay structures, which now means all our members will receive the same value in any pay award.”
“Further discussions will take place next week regarding the pay offer, but progress has been made which would not have been possible without the fortitude and industrial strength of our 10,000 members on London Underground.”
Claire Mann, Chief Operating Officer of TfL, expressed relief over the suspension, stating: “We are pleased that the RMT has suspended its planned industrial action on the London Underground network to allow further talks. We believe that our offer is fair, affordable, good for our colleagues and good news for London. We will continue to work closely with all our trade unions and urge Aslef to also call off its planned action next week. If it goes ahead, customers should check before they travel as during their strikes on November 7 and 12, there will be little to no service.”
The situation remains dynamic, with further talks expected to determine the final outcome of the pay dispute.
