Aslef calls off next week's Tube strikes

(Sharecast News) - Impending strikes on the London Underground, scheduled to start next week, were called off on Thursday by the train driver's union, Aslef. According to the BBC, Aslef declared that its members would not proceed with the planned 24-hour walkout on 8 April and 4 May, after the union and Transport for London (TfL) resolved "key issues".

TfL had warned that the strikes would severely disrupt services across the network, potentially leaving Londoners with minimal or no service at all.

A spokesperson for Aslef said that, after a series of meetings at conciliation service Acas, the negotiating team received a proposal that effectively addressed the core issues of the dispute.

"The management has confirmed their decision to disband the 'Trains Modernisation' team and refrain from implementing changes to drivers' working arrangements without agreement," they said, as quoted by the BBC.

Agreements were also reached to reinstate annual refresher training paused during the pandemic and to establish a dedicated team to tackle anti-social behaviour on Night Tube services.

Assurances were also given regarding the installation of new cab-security locks aimed at enhancing workplace safety for drivers.

"We are pleased that Aslef has withdrawn its planned industrial action," said Nick Dent, London Underground's director of customer operations.

"We will continue to work constructively with the trade unions to avoid disruption and address concerns."

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.