London Elizabeth line drivers’ strikes called off after new pay offer

Elizabeth line sign on the London Underground.
The Elizabeth line drivers’ walk-out has been scrapped on Thursday and Saturday (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

Elizabeth line strike days that were expected to bring part of the London Underground to a standstill have been cancelled.

Aslef union members working on the Elizabeth line have suspended part of their planned strike action that was expected to hit the Tube.

Drivers were set to walk out on February 27 and March 1, 8 and 10 after claims that drivers were not valued by the Elizabeth line operator MTR.

Now Aslef has said that part of the strike action has been suspended following a new pay offer.

Aslef said the walk-out on Thursday, February 27, and Saturday, March 1, have been ‘suspended following a revised offer from the company.’

However, there has been no further announcement on the other planned March strike days.

When Elizabeth line could still have strikes

Aslef has yet said what the plan is regarding the remaining two strike days in March.

Journeys on the Elizabeth line could be affected on March 8 and 10 if MTR and Aslef fail to reach an agreement on them.

The union bosses will meet to consider the new offer tomorrow, Aslef said.

Mike Bagshaw, Managing Director for MTR Elizabeth line, told Metro: ‘Following intensive talks with ASLEF to resolve this dispute and avoid disruptive strike action for our customers, we have put forward an enhanced offer, including a 1.5x rate for rest day working with further improvements to terms and conditions.

‘This builds upon the original offer of a 4.5% pay increase and enhanced terms and conditions, which would have maintained some of the highest salaries in the industry.

‘In the meantime, we have worked closely with Transport for London to implement a robust contingency plan, ensuring customers are informed of alternative travel options during the strike.’

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