London Tube strikes called off as more pay talks planned

Strikes by London Underground workers which would have wiped out Tube services this week have been suspended, the RMT union has announced.

Little or no service had been expected across the capital's entire network from Sunday evening to Friday morning.

Some disruption on the Tube is still expected though due to the strikes being called off late on, TfL said.

On Monday morning minor delays were reported on the Central Line due to a shortage of trains.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union had previously voted to take industrial action over a below-inflation pay increase of 5%.

The union said on Sunday evening "positive discussions" meant further talks could take place.

The 5% offer was described by Transport for London (TfL) as "the most we can afford".

But it said an "intervention" by London's mayor had allowed pay talks to be reopened.

The RMT's general secretary Mick Lynch said: "Following further positive discussions, 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."

He described it as a "significantly-improved funding position" which meant scheduled strike action would be suspended "with immediate effect".

"We look forward to getting in to urgent negotiations with TfL in order to develop a suitable agreement and resolution to the dispute," he added.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he was "delighted" the industrial action had been called off.

Tom Edwards, BBC London Transport Correspondent

This is extremely unusual. I certainly can't remember strikes being called off at such a late stage.

What has happened is the Mayor of London and his team have got more involved over the weekend.

And extra money has been found. Sources have told me it is in the region of £30m.

It does leave some potential problems though for TfL.

Transport bosses said the 5% pay rise offer was "final and full". Now it is not.

So that could impact its credibility in any future negotiations.

Also, some other unions like Aslef have already agreed to the 5%. One representative has told me that will not be accepted now.

And so this could open a real can of worms.

Tfl said it will be meeting unions to decide the best way to use the extra funding to resolve the dispute.

The suspension of action has happened so late in the day it is worth people checking before heading to the Tube on Monday.

A TfL spokesperson said it remained the case that it could not "afford any more" than the original 5% pay offer but it had been "made aware that the mayor was able to provide additional funds".

"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.

"We always strive to work constructively with the unions and avoid disruption to London," they added.

Mr Khan said the strikes would have "caused huge disruption for Londoners and would have been a major blow to the capital's businesses at the worst possible time".

"This shows what can be achieved by engaging and working with trade unions and transport staff, rather than working against them," he added.

UK Hospitality had warned the strike was expected to cost the sector up to £50m.

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