Jack Simpson and agencies 

RMT claims ‘substantial victory’ after tube pay dispute

Union says London Underground workers will get pay rise and other improvements in terms
  
  

A tube train in motion
The RMT called the agreement ‘a landmark victory for our members’. Photograph: William Barton/Alamy

A rail union has claimed a “substantial victory” for its members at London Underground after resolving a pay dispute with Transport for London (TfL).

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) said it had accepted a pay offer that provided notable improvements in terms and conditions.

The RMT said the average pay increase for all tube workers would be 4.6%, while lower-paid workers would receive increases of up to 6.6%.

Other improvements include extended paternity leave, three years’ protection of earnings for medically displaced staff, and expanded travel benefits, it said.

Earlier this month, the RMT said it had suspended a week of planned strike action after receiving a significantly improved pay offer from tube bosses.

The RMT general secretary, Mick Lynch, said: “This agreement is a landmark victory for our members and a vindication of RMT’s determination to fight for fair pay and conditions.

“By standing together and using the power of collective bargaining, we have not only secured a strong deal but also protected key safeguards that underpin our members’ work-life balance and dignity in the workplace.

“This success highlights the importance of RMT’s resolute industrial approach, and we will continue to build on this momentum to deliver further improvements in 2025.”

Aslef, the train drivers’ union, also called off plans earlier this month for two 24-hour strikes after receiving its own improved offer.

Aslef had said it was not optimistic of a resolution being found after a fortnight passed without talks.

A spokesperson for Aslef said on Wednesday: “We called off planned industrial action on London Underground in November after we reached an agreement on moving towards a four-day week, with a reduction in working hours for train drivers.

“Our executive committee will consider the full pay and conditions offer from London Underground when they meet in December.”

The dispute arose during negotiations over the delayed 2024 pay deal, although union officials insisted pay was not the primary concern.

Tube drivers were understood to be seeking the same conditions as counterparts on the Elizabeth line, while unions have continued to seek guarantees over TfL pensions.

The Guardian has approached London Underground for comment.

 

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