A planned Tube strike by London Underground workers has been called off just hours before it was set to begin.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) had planned to walk out starting tonight, with additional strike days scheduled over the coming weeks in a dispute over pay.
The strike would have disrupted most Tube lines from November 5 to 8 and again on November 12, bringing nearly all services to a halt and causing major travel disruption in London.
However, the RMT announced the suspension of the strikes after receiving a significantly improved pay offer from London Underground management.
Aslef had also planned strikes, though the union has not yet confirmed whether it will suspend its action.
An RMT spokesperson, representing members including signaling and station staff, stated, “After intense negotiations with London Underground management and receiving a significantly improved offer, we have suspended the strikes scheduled to start this evening.
“London Underground has wisely withdrawn its proposed changes to pay structures, ensuring that all our members will now receive equal value in any pay award.
“Further discussions on the pay offer are set for next week, but progress has been made—thanks to the resilience and collective strength of our 10,000 London Underground members.”
Aslef, which is also involved in the planned strikes, has yet to confirm a suspension. Its scheduled actions include a 24-hour strike on Thursday and further action on Tuesday, November 12.
Tube drivers previously rejected a 3.8% pay increase, along with proposed reforms to pay and conditions, which would have brought their salaries to just over £69,600 per year.
The Aslef union, which represents about 85% of London Underground drivers, saw 98.8% of its members vote in favor of strike action, with a 68% turnout.
During Aslef’s strike days, the Tube is likely to shut down early on the evening before each strike, with potential knock-on delays the morning after the walkout.
Transport for London (TfL) has called on Aslef to also suspend its planned action.
Claire Mann, TfL’s Chief Operating Officer, stated, “We are pleased that the RMT has suspended its planned industrial action on the London Underground network to allow further talks. We believe our offer is fair, affordable, supportive of our colleagues, and beneficial for London.”
