Two 24-hour strikes by London Underground drivers next week have been called off after progress in talks to try to resolve a dispute over working hours, the RMT union has announced.
However, further walkouts called for April and May remain on, potentially causing misery for commuters.
The Labour mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan described the breakthrough as “positive news for Londoners, businesses and visitors”.
He added: “I’m glad talks have been constructive and both sides continue to work towards a resolution.”
But the RMT said the dispute was “far from over”, although London Underground management had taken “steps in the right direction”.
Further talks are planned in the coming days and weeks to try to reach a negotiated settlement.
The RMT has said its members are taking action because transport bosses are pushing ahead with plans to compress a normal working week into four days, despite the proposals being rejected by a majority of train operators.
Among the union’s concerns are shift lengths and the potential impact on tiredness and safety.
Members of the union had been set to walk out at midday on 24 and 26 March.
Other planned strikes are still set for 21 and 23 April, as well as 19 and 21 May.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Through our show of industrial strength and unity, we have forced management into a position where they are now willing to seriously engage with the issues our members want addressing.
“Further talks will take place, and the dispute remains live.”
Mr Khan posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Positive news for Londoners, businesses and visitors: the Tube strikes planned for next week have been suspended. I’m glad talks have been constructive and both sides continue to work towards a resolution.”
It is not clear what led to the breakthrough, but previously Transport for London said the proposed four-day working week would be for train drivers on the Bakerloo line only, adding that the changes to working patterns would be voluntary, as it called on the union to cancel the proposed strikes.
Nick Dent, director of customer operations for London Underground, said: “We are pleased that RMT has suspended its planned industrial action between Tuesday 24 March and Friday 27 March.
“This is good news for London, and we will continue to work constructively with the trade unions to avoid disruption and address concerns.”
Next week’s Tube strikes called off after progress in dispute over hours
Travel chaos looms as London Underground drivers set to walk out
Starmer facing fresh Labour backlash over international aid cuts
PM wavers over Mahmood’s immigration reforms after Rayner brands them ‘un-British’
Britain to buy more missiles for its forces in Middle East amid Iran attacks
Rayner’s attempt to distance herself from Starmer opens the door for a leadership run
