London Underground driver strikes planned for next week called off by RMT
Two 24-hour strikes by London Underground drivers next week have been called off after a breakthrough in negotiations.
The RMT union declared victory in their dispute over working hours with Transport for London but insist strikes planned for next month remain on.
The union even announced an additional strike action on 16 and 18 June.
A spokesman said: ‘The dispute over the imposition of a condensed hours four-day week on tube drivers is far from over but London Underground management have taken steps in the right direction and are now taking the matter seriously.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: ‘Through our show of industrial strength and unity, we have forced management into a position where they are now willing to seriously engage with the issues our members want addressing.
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‘Further talks will take place and the dispute remains live.’
(Picture: EPA)
Drivers had rejected the proposals in a referendum, said the RMT, amid concerns about shift lengths, unacceptable working time arrangements and the potential impact on fatigue and safety.
Nick Dent, director of customer operations for London Underground, said: ‘We are pleased that RMT has suspended its planned industrial action between Tuesday 24 March and Friday 27 March.
‘This is good news for London and we will continue to work constructively with the trade unions to avoid disruption and address concerns.’
It came after London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan urged TfL and the RMT to get back around the table.
However the impact would not have been as severe as during the last RMT strike, which involved all its 10,500 members walking out at different points over a five-day period last September.
In September’s strikes last year, where 10,500 members walked out, bus queues stretched to hundreds of people long with even vomit pictured smeared on windows.
‘When I have told people the bus is too full, or the journey has been diverted, they have punched the protective screen or spat at me,’ one driver told Metro.
‘The strikes are such an intense time for everyone, but we bear the brunt of it.’
Hospitals also warned patients to leave more time for their journeys, or to cancel their appointment in advance if they won’t be able to make it.