In a significant development for London's public transport sector, the RMT union has successfully negotiated a three-year pay deal for London Underground workers, effectively averting further Tube strikes. The agreement, which follows a series of disruptive strikes in September, promises a 3.4% pay increase effective from April 2025, with additional rises of 3% in the second year and 2.5% in the third year.

The deal, which aligns with RPI inflation rather than the typically used CPI, ensures that drivers' salaries could reach nearly £80,000 by 2027. This outcome is seen as a triumph for the RMT, which attributed the success to the strategic industrial action taken by its members. RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey remarked, "This deal is a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of strike action and strong negotiation by our members."

Despite the pay increase, the union's demand for a reduced working week was not met, as Transport for London (TfL) deemed it unworkable and unaffordable. A TfL spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the agreement, stating, "This multi-year offer is fair, affordable, and provides certainty for our colleagues over pay for several years."

The agreement still awaits formal acceptance from other unions, including Aslef, Unite, and TSSA, although no objections are anticipated. The current basic salary for Tube drivers stands at £71,170, with station staff earning between £30,000 and £45,000.