Night Tube driver strike cancelled, announces Aslef union

Union members were due to walk out in protest at being 'blocked' from applying for full-time jobs

The strike was due to take place on Saturday (AFP/Getty)

A planned strike by drivers on London's Night Tube has been called off.

The strike was due to take place on Saturday.

Union members on the service, which started last August, were due to walk out in protest at being "blocked" from applying for full-time jobs on the Tube as well as not qualifying for overtime pay.

Finn Brennan, an official at Aslef, said the union had received "additional clarification" from London Underground on its proposal to resolve the dispute.

"Our aim has always been to make sure that Night Tube drivers were not forced to remain in the role indefinitely, while new recruits took up full-time positions.

"The new proposal means that LU will fill full-time vacancies from waiting lists in line with agreements and Night Tube drivers will not be 'jumped' by new recruits."

Mr Brennan said the 100 per cent vote in favour of industrial action by Aslef members means the union has achieved a fair settlement that ensures Night Tube drivers will move to full-time roles much sooner than LU had planned.

Proposals will be put to a ballot of Aslef members with a recommendation to accept.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: "I'm pleased that once again we have managed to avoid unnecessary strike disruption for Londoners thanks to our new approach to industrial relations.

"While my predecessor refused to engage with the unions, we've now seen a number of strikes averted because we're prepared to talk constructively to the people who work for TfL.

"As a result, the number of days lost to strikes has reduced by more than 40 per cent since I became Mayor."