London Underground Workers' Pay Deal: A Win for the RMT Union
The RMT union has secured a significant victory for London Underground workers, agreeing to a three-year pay deal that will boost drivers' salaries to nearly £80,000 by 2027. This resolution comes after a disruptive strike in September, which caused travel chaos across the city.
The deal offers an initial 3.4% increase, backdated to April, with pay rising in line with RPI inflation. This is a notable departure from the usual CPI rate, ensuring a minimum total increase of 9.2%. The union's success is attributed to its strong negotiation and a week-long strike that caused widespread disruption.
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey highlighted the deal's significance, emphasizing its independence from flawed productivity discussions and inflation measures excluding housing costs. He called for similar approaches across the transport industry.
Interestingly, the union initially demanded a reduced working week to 32 hours, which was rejected by Transport for London (TfL) as impractical and costly. The final agreement, however, does not include any changes to working hours.
The RMT's success has sparked discussions about the power of union action and the importance of fair pay negotiations. While the deal still requires formal acceptance from other unions, it is expected to be well-received. The current basic salary for tube drivers is £71,170, and station staff earn between £30,000 and £45,000.
The TfL spokesperson praised the RMT's decision, emphasizing the fairness and affordability of the multi-year offer, which provides certainty for London Underground workers' pay for several years. This development marks a positive step towards resolving the long-standing dispute and ensuring a more stable and efficient transport system in London.
