The RMT and Aslef union have announced that strikes scheduled for next week by London Underground staff have been cancelled.
Unions said a breakthrough had been achieved after “extensive” negotiations with TfL bosses in the days leading up to the strikes.
Both the drivers’ union, Aslef, and the railway workers’ body, RMT, are set to strike in the ongoing dispute over job losses, working conditions and pensions.
The dispute has its roots in a funding settlement between the central government and city council when Covid cut revenue and the government had to provide funds to keep London’s transport services running.
Finn Brennan, London Underground’s Aslef regulator, said: “After a week of intense negotiations, we’ve made real progress in making sure our members’ working conditions and pensions are protected from the impact of Tory government cuts to TfL funding.
There will be no changes to pension benefits before the next general election. Any future changes to working conditions and agreements will only be by negotiation. This is a big step forward.”
Union organizers are angry at TfL’s efforts to “modernize” the transport system. Brennan had previously complained that TfL was seeking a new ‘attendance measure’ to be implemented from January. He claimed that would mean “no right to representation or appeal at the initial stage of the disciplinary process” and would result in warnings remaining on the employee’s record for a year, double the current term.
“The department also wants to enforce its plans for what they call a ‘train modernization.’ This included driving shifts of up to ten hours and weeks of ‘flexible coverage’ on each roster.”
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “Our negotiating team has made significant progress in the ACAS talks with TfL. But this is not the end of the row nor is it a victory for the union so far.
Our members were ready to engage in a great disruptive industrial strike and I commend their determination. RMT’s strike authorization remains in effect through October and we stand ready to use it if necessary.
“We will continue to negotiate in good faith as we have always done with TfL and it is only the unwavering commitment of our members in a willingness to take sustained strike action that has compelled our employer to make significant concessions. Our campaign to defend the jobs, conditions and pensions of our members will continue in the coming weeks and months.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan thanked the unions, adding: “Negotiations are what it’s all about. Our transport workers have been heroes during the pandemic, keeping transport going to allow key workers to get to work.”
“This is good news for London and we will continue to work closely with our trade unions to discuss the issues and seek a solution,” said Glenn Barton, TfL’s chief operating officer.
Munya Barua, Executive Vice President, BusinessLDN, added their thoughts: “The decision to call off planned strikes on the Underground next week will help improve the mood across London as the summer holiday season begins. Londoners, businesses and tourists will welcome this step forward. We hope this breakthrough means that the capital spares the prospect of further strike action which could cause significant disruption.”