Londoners are bracing themselves for the upcoming Tube strike by Aslef- although RMT called off its industrial action.
Commuters could let out a sigh of relief after the RMT union called off its planned walk-out which would have impacted travel on the Tube most significantly on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
It said it decided to scrap the strikes because its drivers have received an improved pay offer.
However, not all strike action has been cancelled.
Aslef’s walk out will still go ahead on Thursday and on Tuesday, November 12 so passengers should plan ahead.
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.
As a result, roads are likely to be busy too.
Why are the strikes happening?
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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 despite working 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.’
When are the Tube strikes happening?
Although the RMT strike has been scrapped, members of Aslef are still expected to walk out for two days in November.
Here is how it will affect travel on the TfL network.
Thursday, November 7 – No London Underground service is expected to run
Tuesday, November 12 – Severe disruption on the Tube which is set to have little to no service and services that run will start late and finish early
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.
‘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.’
Brennan said on Friday that the union is ‘available to meet all week and ready to negotiate,’ claiming that the London Underground management has ‘failed to engage in any talks.’
He said the union gave ‘more notice’ of the strike action than is required by law to allow extra time for negotiations ‘so that the dispute could be resolved without a strike.’
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.
TfL told passengers to consider walking and cycling where possible.
How has TfL reacted to the strike plan?
TfL told Metro it was ‘pleased’ about the RMT decision to suspend its industrial action ‘to allow further talks.’
Claire Mann, TfL’s chief operating officer, said: ‘We are pleased that the RMT has suspended its planned industrial action on the London Underground network to allow further talks. We believe that our offer is fair, affordable, good for our colleagues and good news for London.
‘We will continue to work closely with all our trade unions, and urge ASLEF to also call off its planned action next week. If it goes ahead customers should check before they travel as during their strikes on November 7 and 12 there will be little to no service.’
TfL said previously it was ‘disappointing’ that the unions announced their industrial action after ‘several constructive discussions with our trade unions’ and its revised offer of 4.6%.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
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