Tube strike: Jubilee weekend walkout at Green Park and Euston cancelled

Tube union workers have called off a strike set to coincide with the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebration weekend.

The Rail and Maritime (RMT) workers union has agreed to suspend the industrial action on Friday, June 3 which was roundly criticised for risking disrupting the bank holiday weekend.

It follows “significant progress” in talks between the union and London Underground bosses, the RMT said.

And union chief Mick Lynch said he hoped to “reach a resolution quickly” in the dispute between workers and management over allegations of poor workplace treatment.

However, a second planned network-widestrike on Monday, June 6, is still expected to occur.

The strike would have affected station staff at Euston and Green Park, where the RMT says employees have “faced bullying and intimidation” in an issue ongoing for years.

Around 80 staff would have been involved in the walkout.

However, following intense negotiations between RMT and tube bosses, an agreement has been reached to have a review with union involvement to deal with the bullying issue.

But the RMT says if no immediate improvements are seen and the review does not lead to a just settlement, then strike action for a different day will be called.

Mr Lynch said: "London Underground (LUL) has finally seen sense to take the union’s arguments seriously regarding workplace bullying and we will now suspend to the strike on June 3 to hopefully reach a resolution quickly."

Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “I’m pleased the RMT has suspended industrial action on June 3.

“This good news ensures everyone will be able to make the most of the events in the capital throughout the platinum jubilee weekend celebrating her Majesty’s service to our country.

“This demonstrates the importance of unions working with employers to find solutions.

“I hope Transport for London (TfL) and the RMT can continue to work together on the issues raised.”

Industrial action on the Monday, however, will involve around 4,000 staff, and is expected to see all central London Tube stations closed.

But TfL will likely still be able to run shuttle services in the suburbs of outer London.

The strike is the latest action in response to fears over 600 station posts being cut and concerns the TfL staff pension scheme will be made less generous.