Unions suspend planned tube strike action across tube network

Unions have suspended plans for a strike across the tube network next week amid continuing discussions with Transport for London.

Talks on Friday were a last ditch attempt to stop the walkouts over a change in rostering for Night Tube drivers.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union were due to walk out for 24 hours from noon on Tuesday August 24 and Thursday August 26 in a dispute over the grade of Night Tube drivers.

TfL has said it would mean a significantly reduced service on all Tube lines for most of the week.

The RMT claims the decision to scrap the separate pay grade for Night Tube drivers will destroy the work/life balance of 3,000 London Underground drivers.

Nick Dent, director of customer operations for London Underground, said: “We have made changes to the way we roster drivers to help us provide a regular Tube service.

“They have also helped to create more flexibility for many of our drivers and have resulted in no job losses.

“We have been able to return the Waterloo & City line to service as a result of these changes, and they will help as we continue to work on fully restoring other parts of the Tube service.

“Our drivers have been vital in keeping the Tube running during the pandemic, ensuring that key workers could move around the city during the lockdowns and helping fuel London’s recovery in more recent weeks.

“This new arrangement means that all drivers have been given the opportunity for full-time work and long-term job certainty, while Londoners can continue to rely on the regularity of Tube services.