Strikes that would have caused travel chaos in London suspended at last minute

Strikes that would have led to the London Underground network coming to a near-standstill for four days have been suspended, the RMT has announced.

The union said progress had been made in discussions with operator Transport for London (TfL), leading them to call off the walkouts that were due to take place from Monday to Thursday.

Workers on the network were planning to take industrial action on a rolling basis, meaning little to no Tube services would be run on those days.

RMT members voted in favour of action on December 19 after being offered a 5% pay increase by TfL.

In a tweet, London mayor Sadiq Khan said: ‘Londoners and visitors to our city will no longer face several days of disruption.

‘This shows what can be achieved by engaging with trade unions and transport staff rather then working against them.’

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: ‘Following further positive discussions today, the negotiations on a pay deal for our London Underground members can now take place on an improved basis and mandate with significant further funding for a settlement being made available.

‘This significantly improved funding position means the scheduled strike action will be suspended with immediate effect and we look forward to getting into urgent negotiations with TfL in order to develop a suitable agreement and resolution to the dispute.’

This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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