Piccadilly Line Tube Strike Suspended
Action called off after progress in 'intense negotiations'
The planned 24 hour strike for the Piccadilly line has been called off.
The RMT union has advised its members to work as normal today (Wednesday) and Thursday.
A notice on the RMT website reads: ''RMT can advise that following intense negotiations enough progress has been made to enable the General Grades Committee to suspend the action that was due to commence at 12.00 tomorrow, 3rd December 2013. Members are, therefore, instructed to work normally.''
The action wasn't directly about recent changes announced by Transport for London (TfL) including closure of ticket offices and extended night time tube operation at the weekends but it raised fears that this is the beginning of a protracted period on industrial action with the unions aiming to halt the changes. The RMT said that the threat of action was due 'the systematic abuse of drivers and the unilateral ripping up of negotiated agreements'.
London Underground's Chief Operating Officer Phil Hufton said: 'I am pleased that we have been able to reach an agreement with the RMT which means that strike action will be suspended on the 4th and 5th December.
'This dispute is over a number of local issues, all of which have been resolved or which we have committed to addressing including honouring outstanding annual leave.'
The RMT is currently in the process of organising a strike ballot to enable industrial action in opposition to the ticket office closures.
December 4, 2013
