The RMT union has announced the suspension of planned strikes by drivers on London Underground this week, averting significant disruption across the capital. The two 24-hour stoppages, which were set to commence from midday on Tuesday and disrupt travel over four days, have been called off following last-minute negotiations.
Union Cites Shift in Employer's Position
An RMT spokesperson stated: "At the 11th hour the employer has shifted its position, allowing us to further explore our members' concerns around the imposition of new rosters, fatigue and safety issues." The spokesperson emphasised that the dispute is not over, warning that "more strike action will follow if we fail to make sufficient progress."
Revised Strike Dates Announced
Strikes that had been scheduled for 16 and 18 June have now been rescheduled to Tuesday 2 June and Thursday 4 June, should differences over a planned four-day week remain unresolved. Transport for London (TfL) has proposed a voluntary four-day week trial, which has been endorsed by the rival union Aslef, representing a slight majority of tube drivers.
TfL Welcomes Suspension
Nick Dent, director of customer operations for London Underground, said: "We are pleased that RMT has withdrawn its planned industrial action this week. This is good news for London." He added that the voluntary four-day week proposal aims to improve work-life balance for drivers and service reliability for customers, and TfL looks forward to further discussions with all trade unions.
Background and Impact
TfL had previously warned customers to expect significant disruption, with severely curtailed services and no trains on many lines. The planned action followed a similar wave of strikes in April. However, as revealed in the Guardian, the union had put out feelers for a resolution due to limited public sympathy and confusion from Aslef, which viewed the four-day week as a major improvement.
An Aslef memo described the proposal as "the biggest improvement in working conditions for underground train drivers in decades." A letter from TfL to the RMT confirming the voluntary nature of the proposals appears to have provided the union with leeway to call off strikes and continue talks.
