RMT union boss ‘hopeful’ of deal to avoid more Tube strikes

The general secretary of the union behind last week’s Tube strikes has said he is “optimistic” a deal can be struck with Transport for London (TfL) but warned transport bosses not to give them the “cold shoulder”.

There were almost no services between 7 and 12 September due to a rolling walkout by workers in the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union.

Eddie Dempsey told BBC Radio London: “I am hopeful, I’m almost optimistic but I’ve seen a few negotiations go wrong. I think we’ll make some progress in these discussions.”

TfL has been approached for comment but previously described the union’s demands for a 32-hour week as “unaffordable”.

The transport body has offered a 3.4% pay deal and invited the union to talks on Wednesday.

The RMT union called the action over pay and its unmet demand for a 32-hour working week, a reduction of three hours.

On Monday, Elizabeth line usage increased by nearly a third, cycle-hire figures were up by 93% by Wednesday, and usage of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers rose by 70% across the week.

London Overground usage was also up significantly throughout the strike and bus usage rose by around 10% as Londoners sought alternative modes of transport.

Mr Dempsey said: “I think it would be remarkably foolish if we get the cold shoulder at the first meeting from TfL.

“We’ll take our time with it, we’ll do the best we can to come to a reasonable settlement, we’ll consult our people and if we can get ourselves into a position where there’s a compromise that works on both sides then we’ll settle.”

“We don’t want to come back out into strike action but if this all collapses and we turn up for the talks and get the cold shoulder and there’s no progress, no movements, I’ll have to go back to my members and ask them what they want to do next and the answer is probably more strike action.”

For another strike to take place, RMT members would need to be balloted and at least two weeks’ notice given.

Mr Dempsey added: “Londoners can rest assured: you only see us when we’re on strike but the majority of things we do is settle deals.

“We’re a union that makes deals everywhere and we’ve settled hundreds of pay claims this year and this just happens to be one where we’ve hit the buffers.”