London Underground strikes still going ahead despite RMT cancellation
Londoners will still be facing a month of Tube strikes despite RMT calling them off.
The RMT union announced yesterday the strikes have been called off which would have impacted travel on the Tube most significantly on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of next week.
The union said the decision had been made to scrap the strikes because its drivers have received an improved pay offer.
But some strike action will still go ahead though next Thursday and on Tuesday, November 12 by the Aslef union.
When are the strikes happening and which Tube lines will be affected?
On Thursday November 7 no tube services are expected at all, while on Tuesday November 12, Transport for London has warned of little to no service.
Some DLR, London Overground and Elizabeth line services may also not stop at certain stations due to closures.
Transport for London has warned other services such as buses will be extremely busy and to expect delayed journeys.
Why are the strikes happening?
Aslef said a pay offer of 3.8% plus a variable lump sum means Underground drivers will stay on a lower salary than other drivers working across TfL despiteworking longer hours.
The union claimed it has been ‘forced into this position because LU [London Underground] management won’t sit down properly and negotiate with us.’
Aslef’s London Underground organiser, Finn Brennan, said: ‘Our members voted by over 98% in favour of strike action, but Underground management are still refusing to even discuss key elements of our claim.
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‘They refuse to discuss any reduction in the working week or introducing paid meal relief to bring Underground drivers in line with those on the Elizabeth line and London Overground.’
How has TfL reacted to the strike plan?
A TfL spokesperson told Metro: ‘It is disappointing that ASLEF has announced industrial action following our recent discussions over pay, terms and conditions.
‘We have held several constructive discussions with our trade unions and, after considering their feedback, have made a revised offer with an average uplift of 4.6 per cent, which rewards our staff for their hard work and benefits the lowest-paid staff the most.
‘We are engaging with our unions in good faith, having increased our offer since talks began, and have invited our unions to meet again next week.
‘Our offer is fair for our people and affordable for London, and we urge our unions to continue working with us to support London and the wider economy.’
How can I plan my journey in London?
Bosses expect all working transport services to be ‘extremely busy’ with some delays and travel disruptions during strike days.
Roads are also expected to be congested due to increased traffic.
Anyone planning to travel on these dates has been urged to allow extra time for journeys and to check the latest status updates before leaving.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
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