The Rail, Maritime and Transport Union has suspended a series of strikes on the London Underground that were due to begin on Tuesday, The Guardian reports.The strike action includes two separate 24-hour strikes scheduled for Tuesday to Wednesday and Thursday to Friday, with major disruption expected across the Tube network.An RMT spokesman said the suspension follows progress on discussions about new working arrangements and safety issues.“At the 11th hour, the employer changed its position, allowing us to further explore members’ concerns about the new roster, fatigue and safety issues,” the spokesman said.“The dispute is not over yet and if we do not make sufficient progress, more strike action will follow.”
Why are subway drivers planning a strike?
At the heart of the controversy is TfL’s proposal for tube drivers to work voluntary four days a week.Under the proposal, drivers would work longer shifts in fewer hours. TfL said the changes are optional and aimed at improving staff’s work-life balance.However, RMT believes that longer shifts may increase fatigue, create safety risks and negatively impact working conditions.Union officials also claimed TfL was pressing ahead with the proposal despite opposition from many drivers during the consultation process.The split further exposed divisions between rail unions, with ASLEF members reportedly accepting parts of the proposal while RMT members continue to oppose the plans.Additional metro strikes are still planned for June if talks between TfL and the RMT fail to reach a wider agreement.
