RMT Wins Major Deal for London Underground Drivers

RMT has reached a major pay agreement with London Underground, securing a 4.6% average raise, better leave entitlements, and stronger protections after months of intense negotiations and strike threats. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The pay dispute started when union members demanded increases that could push salaries to £76,000—over double the UK average of £37,500. RMT insisted on linking pay to the Retail Price Index to reflect inflation accurately.

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TfL offered just 2.8%, which the union rejected. ASLEF, representing 2,000 drivers, made a separate proposal that included a four-day week and paid meal breaks, but RMT dismissed this offer as inadequate.

RMT Pushes for Fair Pay and Improved Benefits

By late 2024, both sides returned to talks. In November, RMT scheduled strike dates to increase pressure, leading to a new deal. The agreement included 5% to 6.6% raises for the lowest-paid workers, averaging 4.6%.

The union also secured three weeks of harmonised paternity leave and three years of earnings protection for staff displaced due to medical reasons. RMT leader Mick Lynch called the deal a major victory for collective bargaining.

Earlier in the year, in February 2024, RMT had already secured raises of 8% to 10% for lower-paid staff, 5% for others, and a £1,000 bonus. These achievements laid the groundwork for the November breakthrough.

RMT and ASLEF Strike Plans Lead to Final Agreement

ASLEF also announced strikes from November 1 to 16, frustrated by slow talks. In response, TfL presented an improved package, including a 3.8% base increase, an overall 4.6% rise, and a £450 lump sum backdated to April 2024.

Following these offers, ASLEF suspended its strike action. TfL welcomed the move, hoping to avoid disruptions during a financially challenging period. Union demands remained high, but compromise prevailed.

Ultimately, the RMT-led negotiations reshaped pay structures and working terms. Although the final pay increases were smaller than first demanded, workers gained valuable protections and long-term benefits.

Source, photo: noah-news.com

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