London Underground strikes called off after ‘improved’ pay offer

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Major strikes planned on the London Underground this week and next have been called off after last-minute talks between union leaders and the UK capital’s transport authority.

Train drivers who belong to the Aslef union had been due to walk out on Thursday November 7 and Tuesday November 12 in a row over pay and working conditions.

But Aslef on Tuesday suspended the walkouts — which typically close most, if not all, of the London Underground network — following a new offer from Transport for London.

Finn Brennan, Aslef’s full-time organiser on the London Underground, said that the union had “agreed to suspend our planned industrial action” after “fresh talks, and an improved offer”.

“Details of the offer will be discussed with our reps at a meeting on Thursday,” he added.

Last week the RMT union, which represents transport workers including signallers and station staff, called off its own wave of strikes, which had been due to begin on November 1, following “a significantly improved offer” from TfL. 

Aslef in October rejected an offer of a 3.8 per cent pay rise for 2024, plus a “variable lump sum” payment, made by TfL. It had also criticised the body’s “refusal” to discuss any reduction in the working week.

London Underground drivers earn between roughly £64,000 and £67,000 a year, according to TfL figures released in 2023, but many take home more because of paid overtime.

The industrial action would have been the first by drivers on the Underground network in two years, and would have caused major disruption.

The network carries about 4mn passengers on the busiest weekdays, and hospitality groups had warned of a significant impact on London businesses.

Sadiq Khan, London mayor and TfL chair, said the suspension of the walkouts was “good news for Londoners, visitors and businesses . . . This shows the difference that engaging with our trade unions makes.”

Claire Mann, TfL chief operating officer, said: “We believe that we have made an offer to our trade unions that is fair, affordable, good for our colleagues and good for London and we urge our trade unions to continue working with us.”