Tube strikes suspended after union bosses celebrate TFL 'abandoning' proposals in fresh offer
GB NEWS
Planned London Underground strikes have been suspended following improved negotiations between the RMT union and Transport for London management.
The union announced the decision after London Underground abandoned proposed changes to pay structures.
The suspension comes as a relief to millions of Londoners who were bracing for significant travel disruptions.
The RMT, which represents 10,000 members on the London Underground, cited "intense negotiations" and a "significantly improved offer" as reasons for calling off the industrial action.
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An RMT spokesperson said: "Following intense negotiations with London Underground management and a significantly improved offer, we have suspended the strikes scheduled to start this evening.
"London Underground have sensibly abandoned their proposed changes to pay structures which now means all our members will receive the same value in any pay award.
"Further discussions will take place next week regarding the pay offer but progress has been made which would not have been possible without the fortitude and industrial strength of our 10,000 members on London Underground."
Aslef, which represents 2,000 Tube drivers, will push ahead with its strike action.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:Mick Lynch is general-secretary of the RMT
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The first day of the Aslef's planned strike comes next Thursday.
Tube strikes were scheduled to run from November 1 to November 12.
Millions of passengers were expected to face travel chaos as the unions protest over pay and working conditions.
RMT engineering staff were expected to initiate the action on November 1, followed by track access controllers and control centre staff on November 3.
The most severe disruption, which was expected on November 5, 7, and 12, was poised to significantly reduce services.
Aslef, representing Tube drivers, previously turned down a 3.8 per cent pay increase.
Finn Brennan, Aslef's organiser, recently said: "We don't want to go on strike... but we have been forced into this position because LU management won't sit down properly and negotiate with us."
Brennan yesterday accused TFL of last being involved in negotiations with Aslef last Friday.