Tube strikes cancelled in huge relief to thousands of commuters after unions threatened misery

Strikes on the London Underground have been called off following talks over pay between the Aslef union and Transport for London (TfL).

The now-cancelled action would have seen the capital brought to a halt on Thursday 7 and Tuesday 12.

Finn Brennan, Aslef’s full-time organiser on London Underground, said: “Following fresh talks, and an improved offer, Aslef has agreed to suspend our planned industrial action on London Underground. Details of the offer will be discussed with our reps at a meeting on Thursday.

“We are pleased that this progress has been made and that strike action has been averted at this time.

“We are not able to reveal any further details until after that meeting with our reps on Thursday.”

Claire Mann, Transport for London’s chief operating officer, said: “We are pleased that Aslef has suspended its planned industrial action on the Tube and that Londoners will not be disrupted this week or next.

“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.”

Industrial action organised by the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union had already been called off by its members after a dispute over pay was resolved.

Aslef, which represents around 2,000 Underground drivers, called for the two-day walk-out after demanding more pay for its members.

(TfL) had warned that no services were expected to run on Thursday, with severe disruption and little to no service anticipated the following Tuesday.

Passengers needing to travel would have needed to explore alternative transport options, such as the Elizabeth line, DLR, and London Overground, which would continue to operate.

More to follow…