Elizabeth line strikes called off in ‘good news’ for London commuters

Two walkouts have been cancelled, but there are still questions over further strikes

The strikes would have caused disruption in the capital (PA Media)

Planned strikes on London’s Elizabeth line by train drivers have been called off after a new pay offer.

Members of Aslef were due to stage walkouts on Thursday and Saturday, which would have caused travel disruption in the capital.

The strikes have been suspended to allow Aslef's executive to consider a revised offer from the line’s operators MTR on Wednesday.

No announcement has been made about further strikes next month.

Howard Smith, Transport for London’s director of the Elizabeth line, said: "We are pleased that Aslef has suspended its first two dates of planned industrial action on the Elizabeth line after a revised offer has been made.

"This is good news for Londoners, and we encourage Aslef and MTR Elizabeth line to continue working constructively to avoid any future disruption and address concerns."

Aslef said its executive will consider a revised offer from the line’s operators, MTR, on Wednesday.

Elizabeth line drivers rejected a pay rise of 4.5 per cent (Getty Images)

The original proposal was for a pay rise of 4.5 per cent.

However, drivers rejected that offer and voted to take industrial action.

MTR Elizabeth line managing director Mike Bagshaw said at the time that he was “disappointed” in the move.

“The offer would have maintained some of the highest salaries in the industry, along with enhanced terms and conditions.

“Any potential strike action will be disruptive for those who rely on the Elizabeth line, and we will work closely with Transport for London to ensure customers are informed of alternative travel options.

“We remain committed to engaging with Aslef in the hope of resolving this dispute.”

When the strike was announced, Nigel Gibson, one of Aslef’s district organisers, said taking action was always a last resort.

“We do not want to inconvenience passengers and our members do not want to lose money, and I hope that the company, seeing the strength of feeling amongst our members, their drivers, will do the right thing and return to the negotiating table.”

MTR will cease to operate the Elizabeth line on May 24, at which point it will hand over to a consortium of Go-Ahead Group, Tokyo Metro and Sumitomo Corporation.