Tube strike called off after unions and TfL 'make progress'

Aslef has announced it is suspending the strike after making progress in talks with Tfl

A 24-hour walkout was planned on the London Underground on Thursday (Getty Images)

A 24-hour strike by London Underground drivers has been called off after talks between Transport for London and the Aslef drivers' union.

Aslef members had been due to begin a walkout at midnight in a dispute over working conditions.

Union representative Finn Brennan, said in a statement: "I am pleased to say that the our negotiating team believes they we have made sufficient progress in talks at Acas to recommend to the Aslef executive committee that the strike called for Thursday be suspended.

"We have always been prepared to keep talking to resolve this dispute but Aslef always has, and always will, insist that management stick to agreements they make with us.

"Our ballot remains live and we will not hesitate to call action in the future if needed to ensure all the commitments made are fully delivered."

The dispute centres on a proposed new deal which gives Aslef members the option to work a four day, 36-hour a week.

The union, who represent the majority of Tube drivers, also say Tfl bosses have reneged on a commitment to reduce the number of weekend shifts.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "I'm pleased that this strike action has been suspended and that discussions can continue without disruption.

"By talking constructively to TfL staff and acting on their concerns we've managed to improve the atrocious industrial relations legacy left by the previous mayor.

"This has led to a nearly 60 per cent reduction in the number of days lost to strikes on the underground since I became mayor – which means less disruption and frustration for commuters in London."

Had the strike gone ahead it would have meant disruption for fans attempting to attend the England v Slovenia World Cup Qualifier football match at Wembley Stadium.

But people using rail services are still in for a day of misery as a separate strike by rail workers, organised by the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers' union, is scheduled to go ahead.

People travelling into Waterloo and south London on Southern Rail will be affected as part of the nationwide strike which also affects Merseyrail, Arriva Rail North and Greater Anglia – though the latter has said it will not affect its services.

RMT members also went out on strike on 3 October as part of a long running dispute about a movement to make drivers close train doors themselves rather than using conductors.