The strikes planned by London Underground from Monday to Thursday have been suspended after the workers union RMT said it had made progress in talks with operator Transport for London (TfL), Reuters reported Sunday.
“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,” RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said in a statement on Sunday.
“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 to develop a suitable agreement and resolution to the dispute,” he further added.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was “delighted” the strikes had been called off.
“This week’s tube strikes have now been suspended. Londoners and visitors to our city will no longer face several days of disruption,” Khan, the Labour party’s mayor of London, said.
“They would have caused huge disruption for Londoners and would have been a major blow to the capital’s businesses at the worst possible time, he said.
“This shows what can be achieved by engaging with trade unions and transport staff rather than working against them,” the London mayor added.
Earlier Khan had blamed the national Conservative government for imposing strict conditions on TfL’s funding.
TfL said the mayor of Britain’s capital had been able to provide additional funds to enable discussions with the unions to continue, but warned passengers there would still be disruption on Monday as the strike was lifted at a late stage.
“We will now meet with representatives of all the unions to agree on the best way for this funding to be used to resolve the current dispute,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
UK Hospitality had warned the strike was expected to cost the sector up to £50m to the city’s pubs and restaurants.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Omprakash Tiwary is a business writer who delves into the intricacies of the corporate world. With a focus on finance and economic landscape. He offers readers valuable insights into market trends, entrepreneurship, and economic developments.
