The planned strike cold have caused disruption for people heading to central London for the second day of the four-day bank holiday weekend
(Picture: Ross Lydall)A Tube strike roundly condemned because it was due to take place during the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations has been called off.
The RMT union announced on Friday afternoon that it was suspending plans for about 80 station staff to walk out next Friday at Green Park and Euston stations.
This could have potentially caused disruption for people heading to central London for the second day of the four-day bank holiday weekend.
The RMT had faced a volley of criticism after announcing the June 3 walkout, which would have involved about 80 station staff and had Transport for London rushing to make plans to keep both stations open.
Mayor Sadiq Khan said the strike was “sending the wrong message” while transport minister Baroness Vere said the protest was “enormously disrespectful” to the Queen.
On Friday, the RMT said it had made “significant progress” with London Underground bosses over long-standing “bullying and intimidation” issues at the heart of the dispute.
Underground chiefs have promised to hold a review into the matter, with union involvement.
However, the RMT said that if no immediate improvements were seen and the review does not lead to a “just settlement”, then strike action for a different day will be called.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “London Underground has finally seen sense to take the union’s arguments seriously regarding workplace bullying and we will now suspend to the strike on June 3 to hopefully reach a resolution quickly.”
Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m pleased that the RMT has suspended their industrial action on 3rd June. This good news ensures everyone will be able to make the most of the events in the capital throughout the Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrating her Majesty’s service to our country.
“This demonstrates the importance of unions working with employers to find solutions. I hope TfL and the RMT can continue to work together on the issues raised.”
The June 6 walkout, which will involve about 4,000 station staff and revenue inspectors, is likely to result in the closure of all central London stations.
However because drivers and signallers are not taking part in the action, it is likely that Transport for London will be able to run “shuttle services” in the suburbs, where stations are above ground and not covered by the same fire safety regulations as deep-level stations.
The June 6 action is the latest in response to concerns about the impact of 600 station posts being axed and fears that the TfL staff pension scheme will be made less generous.
