Tube Strikes Could Be Stopped as TfL and Unions Meet

London Underground services could be saved from 10 days of disruption as union leaders meet with TfL officials today (September 12) to resolve a bitter dispute over pay and pensions.

According to a statement from the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT), both sides will hold face-to-face negotiations for the first time since industrial action was announced earlier this week with more talks planned for later this week. If a deal can't be reached in October, the walkouts will cause travel chaos for millions of commuters.

The strike action, which had been due to start on September 15, would be the biggest to hit the London Underground in years, with further strikes planned on September 20, 25 and 27, as well as the first three days of October.

The RMT said it was calling on TfL management to "get serious about resolving this dispute and give our members the justice and respect that we deserve." The union is seeking a pay increase in line with the cost of living, a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies and a shorter working week for all staff.

TfL said it was "fully committed to finding a fair and reasonable settlement" and insisted it had made a "fair and affordable offer" to the unions. However, the TfL offer of a 3 per cent pay rise for Underground workers has been rejected by the RMT.

The talks will be closely watched by commuters, who are facing the prospect of major disruption to their journeys if a deal cannot be reached. The strikes would affect all London Underground lines, including the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines.

TfL has said it will be running a reduced service on strike days, but it is still advising passengers to avoid using the Underground if possible. Commuters are being urged to check TfL's website for the latest travel information.

The strike action is the latest in a series of disputes between unions and employers across the UK, as workers seek to protect their pay and conditions in the face of rising inflation.

The RMT has said it will be willing to suspend the strike action if TfL makes a "significant and improved offer" in the talks.