Next week's planned Tube strikes have been called off after progress in talks over working hours, the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) has announced. Two 24-hour walkouts by London Underground drivers, scheduled from noon on Tuesday and Thursday, will no longer take place.
The RMT said that while the dispute over a condensed four-day week is "far from over", London Underground management have taken "steps in the right direction". Further talks are planned in the coming days and weeks to reach a negotiated settlement.
However, other strike dates in April and May remain in place, and additional action on June 16 and 18 is planned. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: "Through our show of industrial strength and unity, we have forced management into a position where they are now willing to seriously engage with the issues our members want addressing."
Nick Dent, director of customer operations for London Underground, welcomed the suspension of industrial action, saying: "This is good news for London and we will continue to work constructively with the trade unions to avoid disruption and address concerns."
