Tube strike off after TfL talks progress, says RMT

Strikes set to cripple the London Underground this week have been suspended.

The RMT union said talks with Transport for London (TfL) "made progress" on Sunday, as it announced industrial action had been averted.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Following further positive discussions today, the negotiations on a pay deal for our London Underground members can now take place on an improved basis and mandate with significant further funding for a settlement being made available.

“This significantly improved funding position means the scheduled strike action will be suspended with immediate effect and we look forward to getting into urgent negotiations with TfL in order to develop a suitable agreement and resolution to the dispute.”

Rolling strikes by different parts of the workforce were due to take place from January 5-12, with TfL saying there would be "little to no" service for four days.

Ahead of the action, the RMT said it wants staff travel facilities for all Tube workers restored and criticised bosses for freezing pay bands, warning that they would create a two-tier workforce.

A TfL spokesperson said: “Last week we discussed our pay offer extensively with the three trade unions that had rejected it, making clear that TfL cannot afford any more. This remains the case.

“Today, we were made aware that the mayor was able to provide additional funds to enable discussions with the unions to continue. We have all consistently made clear that strike action is bad for everyone and would have a negative impact on the city as it recovers from the pandemic.

“This intervention from the mayor has been discussed with the unions, and the RMT union has now suspended the planned strike action. However, as the action has been suspended at this late stage, Londoners will still face disruption tomorrow and we advise all customers to check the TfL website or the TfL Go app for the latest travel information.

“We will now meet with representatives of all the unions to agree on the best way for this funding to be used to resolve the current dispute. We will also seek to meet as soon as possible with the unions representing TfL staff.

"We always strive to work constructively with the unions and avoid disruption to London.”