Tube strikes: Which London Underground services are running next week and how will I get around?
IndependentDec 21, 2023
London Underground Tube Strike Canceled After Talks with TfL
Image copyright: Dan Kitwood/Staff/Getty Images News
The Facts
The UK's National Union of Rail, Maritime, and Transport Workers (RMT) announced on Sunday that industrial action had been suspended following "positive discussions" with Transport for London (TfL).
RMT's Press Office had previously announced that a combination of engineering, network control, and signalling worker strikes were to take place from Jan. 5-11, claiming that TfL had "failed to come up with a proposal that was acceptable" concerning pay, grading structures, and travel facilities.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Many London Underground employees are continuing to complain about their salaries, which the data shows are nearly double the national average. That's to say nothing about the luxury of TfL's pension schemes, which allow retired workers to live off an extremely comfortable annual sum. Despite being incredibly lucky to receive their current remuneration, RMT continues to consistently hold the nation hostage with its ridiculous wage demands.
Establishment-critical narrative
With more money being offered last minute by TfL, which is terrified of the impending disruption upon London, the potential impact of industrial action is being made clear for all to see. However, many of the details of London Underground's allegedly competitive offer are unknown, and it is unlikely that the additional finances conveniently plucked from thin air will support workers sufficiently in the face of inflation and a cost of living crisis. Strikes are the only way for the state to see the worth of TfL's employees and for them to achieve a fair deal.