A three day strike by Tube workers which was due to start tonight has been suspended.
Members of the RMT union last week held a 48-hour walkout in protest at plans to scrap ticket offices and axe hundreds of jobs.
The changes will involve around 960 job losses, although some new posts will be created by the introduction of a new all-night weekend Tube service in 2015, leaving a net loss of 750 jobs.
London Underground says ticket offices cost fare payers £50m per year to keep open but are being used by ever declining numbers of passengers due to the popularity of Oyster.
Tube bosses also say the introduction of contactless fares later this year will increase the move away from paper-tickets and face to face transactions.
The union says the job cuts threaten passenger safety and will make it harder for mobility-impaired passengers to complete their journey as fewer staff will be available to help them.
LU deny the claims and insist more staff will be available in ticket halls and on platforms.
Last week’s strike caused widespread disruption to passengers, with a reduced service operating on all lines.
Today’s strike was due to start at 9pm and threatened to disrupt tomorrow’s return to work after the bank holiday weekend. As a result of the talks, the two sides agreed the following:
“1. The station by station review will continue with all the trades unions invited to participate and contribute, additionally the proposed [Fit for the Future – Stations ] implementation plan will also be reviewed. This exercise should be completed by 23rd May 2014. During this period of discussion LU would continue to keep on hold all VS applications.
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2. The outcome of the exercise will be discussed at a meeting chaired by ACAS
“3. LU would enter into further detailed discussions to ensure that any employees identified as in scope of the Fit for the Future – Stations proposals on 21 November 2013, and who do not choose to leave the business under voluntary severance, would be offered a role that involves no reduction in their current substantive salary. This arrangement would be specific to the Fit for the Future – Stations programme.”
Phil Hufton, Chief Operating Officer of London Underground, said: “The only way to resolve this dispute is for the RMT leadership to work with us to shape the future of the Tube in a changing world.
“It is good that they have committed to doing so alongside the three other unions involved. As we have always said, we are, of course, open to discuss any proposals our staff or the unions may offer.”
