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Unions call off Tube strike
Dick Murray, Transport Editor03.04.08
The Tube strike due to start on Sunday has been called off.
Official confirmation from the unions which had ordered the walkouts by 7,500 staff is expected this afternoon.
The 72-hour strike was scheduled to begin at 6.30pm on Sunday.
Leaders of the RMT and TSSA unions had combined forces in a row over safety issues. All lines across the network would have been brought to a halt. A senior LU source said TSSA Tube representatives had voted overwhelmingly to accept a deal under which there would be more discussions over safety concerns.
RMT bosses were meeting this morning, to be followed by a joint union statement later today.
Reader views (10)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
A big Thanks to the R.M.T. and all it's members who were willing to give up 3 days pay to protest against the decrease in safety standards proposed on the tube. In response to all those who are quick to criticise and think that working for L.U.L is such a breeze then why not send in your C.V. as there are always lots of unfilled vacancies.
- Dave Moore, London, UK
On behalf of all Cardiff City and Barnsley fans, we're just relieved that the strike has been called off, and common sense has prevailed.
- John, Cardiff
As long as tube strikes are allowed, they should be allowed to vote - that way we at least get a week's notice which is also the law as well as having to vote for (or against) a strike. Otherwise the alternative doesn't bear thinking about. Would you prefer a wildcat strike where tube drivers & workers walk out in the middle of your journey? Better to ban the strikes altogether but never allow strikes but scrap votes - that may not be inconvenient for the tube workers but it would be even more inconvenient for passengers. At least with the current rules, we know what to expect when we set out for work. We don't want sudden walk outs. No, as long as strikes are allowed (unfortunate but there it is), the right to vote must stay.
- Clare, London, UK
It is good to see the management and unions being unselfish bringing a willingness to compromise.
- Chris, London
Great News - think of all the people travelling from Barnsley and Cardiff who wouldn't know how to get to Wembley when they arrive at Kings Cross and Paddington? 60,000 people lost in London - at last, safe convenient travel to a great venue. Thank you for calling off the strike
- Pete Buttin, Shepperton. Middlesex, UK
First they want to strike over safety issues, now they're prepared to talk about it- Sounds like a school girl throwing a tantrum!
- Dave, london
What a shambles...'safety concerns' indeed - what are those roving monitors all about anyway? They seem to be mentioned in every report, but are never defined. I'm guessing they have something to do with supervisors wandering around the tube network breaking up the tea breaks and card games that would otherwise be occupying those poor overworked and underpaid employees who have us over a barrel every time they realise they want more cash and less work.
I'd be surprised if our anarchist Mayor didn't have something to do with the strike being pulled...at least until after election day.
Come on Boris - give us a vote on whether or not we would be happy to put up with 6 months of no tube so that you can test some nice new automated trains, thereby getting rid of these idle, work-shy leeches once and for all. Do so and you'll get my vote...twice.
- Matt, London
They have probably realised that if Red Ken gets the boot they may not be able to bully their bosses into ridiculous pay-rises and working practices.
- Mark, London
They hold London to ransom for sitting around. I've lost count of the number times I've been delayed because the driver didn't turn up. £40k plus for sitting around all day pulling a lever or two - not bad! Expect more strike and double pay demand before the Olympics come in!
- Roger, London
Should we celebrate because of this? No. The question is how much longer should these selfish people be allowed to excerise their right to vote which they abuse time and again.
- Clive, London, UK
