Every line on the network would have been impacted by the Tube strike.
Good news for anyone currently commuting to the office: the planned Tube strikes for August 3 & 5 have been called off after last-minute talks. In mid-July, the Rail, Maritime, and Transport (RMT) Union called for strikes on August 3, 5, 24, & 26, instructing its members not to book any shifts from noon those days until 11:59am the following day. The strike action stemmed from a disagreement with London Underground’s decision to cut the Night Tube Train Drivers’ grade – a decision which the union argues could lead to the loss of up to 200 jobs.
Tube union RMT suspends Tube strike action this week to allow for further talkshttps://t.co/DMPZmJXa6y pic.twitter.com/igF82htrwa
— RMT (@RMTunion) August 2, 2021
Talks between the RMT Union and London Underground bosses had continued until today, when a last-ditch attempt was made to find a solution. Within the last hour, RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch revealed that “we have hammered out enough ground to allow […] talks to continue. As a result this week’s strike action is suspended although the rest of the planned action remains on.”
So, no strikes for August 3 & 5, but as you’ll note, the planned walkouts for the 24th and 26th are currently scheduled to go ahead – so keep your eyes peeled for news on that. In a previous ballot of members, the union had found a “solid vote” in support of strike action, amidst concerns that changes to the Night Tube grade threaten the work-life balance of up to 3000 drivers. The Night Tube will not resume service until at least 2022.
Talks will continue to avert the rest of the planned Tube strikes, as London Underground bosses try to steer the network through a period of financial uncertainty that’s already seen one hike in Tube fares, and another potentially on the way in January, as government bailouts have come with strings attached. We’ll keep you updated with any further developments, and you can keep an eye on the TfL travel status page for up-to-date news.