Planned strikes by London Underground drivers have been suspended at the last minute, the RMT union announced. The two 24-hour stoppages were set to begin at midday on Tuesday, causing disruption over four days.
An RMT spokesperson said the employer shifted its position at the 11th hour, allowing further exploration of concerns over new rosters, fatigue, and safety. However, the dispute is not over, and more strikes could follow if progress is not made.
Strikes had also been scheduled for 16 and 18 June, now changed to 2 and 4 June if differences over a four-day week are not resolved. Transport for London (TfL) said its proposal for a voluntary four-day week aims to improve work-life balance and service reliability.
Nick Dent, director of customer operations for London Underground, welcomed the suspension, calling it good news for London. He said TfL looks forward to further discussions with all unions.
The rival union Aslef, representing a majority of drivers, endorsed the TfL proposal, describing it as the biggest improvement in working conditions in decades. A TfL letter confirming the proposals would remain voluntary appears to have allowed the RMT to call off strikes for now.
