The RMT union has suspended strikes by London Underground workers, which were due to cause severe disruption across the London transport network from Sunday evening until Friday morning. Little or no service was expected, causing potential issues for businesses and commuters across the city. However, the Rail, Maritime and Transport union members have suspended strikes over a below-inflation pay increase of 5%, due to “positive discussions” which have since meant further negotiations can take place.
Although some disruption on the Tube is still possible due to the initial calls for strikes, Transport for London (TfL) indicated the new negotiations could result in a quicker resolution to the pay dispute. This news followed reports of minor delays on the Central Line on Monday morning due to a shortage of trains. BBCLondon Transport Correspondent Tom Edwards noted that some potential issues could arise from TfL’s original stance on the 5% offer being final and full, but the significant further funding available means TfL may now have to reconsider this. Aslef and other unions have also already agreed to the original 5% offer, but representatives indicated that this may no longer suffice.
RMT’s General Secretary, Mick Lynch, welcomed the new funding position and the ability to negotiate a suitable agreement and resolution. He referred to the previous suspension of scheduled strike action as immediate since it followed positive discussions on an improved basis, including the mandate for a “significantly-improved funding position.” London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, stated that he was “delighted” the industrial action had been called off, avoiding huge disruption and a significant blow to the capital’s businesses in a difficult time.
TfL confirmed the extra funding was in the region of £30m and was not expected to impact other transport services or lead to further fare increases. TfL will be meeting with all union representatives to decide the best way to use the additional funding to resolve the current dispute. It remains to be seen how the further funding will be received by all unions and whether the new negotiations will result in a quicker resolution. Nevertheless, TfL and London’s Mayor have successfully resolved the strike from proceeding, ending the potential for significant travel disruption for Londoners and businesses
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