The general secretary of the union that led last week’s Tube strikes expressed “optimism” about reaching an agreement with Transport for London (TfL), while cautioning transport leaders against adopting an uncooperative stance.
Between September 7 and 12, the city experienced major service disruptions due to a series of walkouts organized by members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union.
Eddie Dempsey shared his thoughts on BBC Radio London, stating: “I feel hopeful, nearing optimism, yet I’ve witnessed negotiations falter before. I believe there’s potential for progress during these discussions.”
TfL, which has been contacted for a response, had earlier deemed the union’s request for a 32-hour work week as “unaffordable.”
In response, TfL proposed a pay increase of 3.4% and invited union representatives to discussions scheduled for Wednesday.
The RMT initiated the strike action in response to pay issues and its call for a reduction to a 32-hour work week, a decrease of three hours.
During the strike, usage of the Elizabeth line surged by almost one-third on Monday, while cycle-hire figures increased by 93% by Wednesday. Additionally, demand for Uber Boat services operated by Thames Clippers grew by 70% throughout the week.
Use of London Overground services also saw a notable increase during the strike, and bus ridership rose by approximately 10%, as many Londoners sought alternate transportation options.
Mr. Dempsey remarked: “It would be exceedingly unwise for TfL to dismiss us outright during our first meeting.
“We are willing to take the necessary time to reach a fair agreement, consult with our members, and if we can find common ground, we are ready to settle.”
He added, “We do not wish to engage in further strike actions; however, if our negotiations fail, and we find ourselves faced with indifference at the talks, I will need to return to our members to discuss the next steps, which may likely involve additional strikes.”
For another strike to occur, RMT members would require a ballot and a minimum of two weeks’ notice.
Mr. Dempsey concluded, “Londoners can be assured that while we may only be visible during strikes, most of our efforts focus on reaching agreements.
“We are a union that successfully negotiates across various sectors, having resolved hundreds of pay issues this year; this particular situation is simply one where we’ve encountered a standstill.”
