UK unions suspend London Underground strikes next week

Two British trade unions on Friday called off strikes on London’s underground train network which had been planned to take place next week, citing progress in talks on pensions and working conditions.

The strikes had been expected to cause major disruption across the capital.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union had been planning to take industrial action between July 23 and 28. The Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) had been due to strike on July 26 and 28.

“After a week of intense negotiations, we have made real progress in making sure our members’ working conditions and pensions are protected,” Finn Brennan, ASLEF organiser, said in a statement.

RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said there had been significant progress made by its negotiating team, but that it was not the end of the dispute.

“Our campaign to defend jobs, conditions and our members pensions will continue in the coming weeks and months,” Lynch said.