Some Tube strikes suspended but 16 days of disruption still expected

Images: Some tube strikes have been cancelled while others are going ahead

Strikes and overtime bans for Aslef drivers still set to go ahead throughout November

Planned strikes by London Underground workers represented by the RMT have been suspended at the last minute, but ASLEF members are set to strike over the next two weeks following a rejected pay offer from Transport for London (TfL).

The strikes will take place between 1 to 16 November, involving London Underground drivers, instructors, managers, and engineers who are members of ASLEF. These workers will participate in a series of strikes and implement an overtime ban throughout this period.

While RMT members were initially set to join the action, a spokesperson for the union announced the suspension of their strike plans after what they described as “intense negotiations” with London Underground management, resulting in a significantly improved offer.

The disruption is expected to unfold as follows:

• 1 November: ASLEF engineering drivers will strike for 24 hours starting at 6pm, with an overtime ban in effect until 8 November.
• 2 November: Engineering drivers will continue their strike until 5.59pm, with the overtime ban still in place.
• 3 November: Overtime bans for engineering drivers continue.
• 4-6 November: Overtime bans remain for both engineering drivers and managers.
• 7 November: All-day strikes will occur involving ASLEF train operators, instructors, and managers, which TfL warns may result in “little to no service”. The overtime ban continues for engineering drivers and managers.
• 8-11 November: Overtime bans for engineering drivers and managers will persist.
• 12 November: Another all-day strike for ASLEF train operators, instructors, and managers is scheduled, again likely leading to significant service disruptions.
• 13-16 November: The manager overtime ban continues until 11.59pm on the final day.

TfL has not specified which lines will be affected by the strikes, but it has warned commuters to expect “severe disruption” on certain days. Passengers are advised to plan ahead and utilise TfL’s journey planner and status update page for the latest information.

Images: Mick Whelan Aslef General Secretary, Aslef says TfL mean drivers will work longer hours on a lower salary under current proposals

Aslef say TfL refuse to discuss key issues

ASLEF members voted overwhelmingly for the action, with 98.8% wanting strike action, with a 68% turnout.

Finn Brennan, ASLEF’s London Underground organiser, said:

“We don’t want to go on strike – we don’t want to make travelling in and around the capital more difficult for passengers and we don’t want to lose a day’s pay – but we have been forced into this position because London Underground management won’t sit down properly and negotiate with us.”

He said Transport for London’s (TfL) pay offer of 3.8% plus a variable lump sum “means Underground drivers will stay on a lower salary than drivers on other TfL services while working longer hours”.

ASLEF said TfL management has refused to discuss key issues, including reducing the working week and introducing paid meal times to bring drivers in line with those working on the Elizabeth line and London Overground.

TfL call on Aslef to suspend strike action

After the RMT suspended its strike action, 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.”