Planned strikes due to affect London Tramlink services between 12th and 14th September have been suspended after a revised pay offer was made to drivers represented by ASLEF. Details of the pay offer have not been made public but officials at ASLEF have said it doesn’t meet the aspirations of staff but that they are willing to continue negotiations to reach a deal that both sides can agree on.
The strikes had been called – and followed two previous periods of action – over a dispute over pay. The previous pay deal had run out last year and up until earlier this year no new deal had been offered. An increase of 3% was then offered but this was rejected and despite the previous strikes it was reported that no new offer had been made.
However, now with the next set of strikes imminent a new offer does seem to have been made and although it still doesn’t reach the levels that ASLEF members want it is seems that both sides are willing to get back around the negotiating table to thrash out a new deal.
Finn Brennan, from ASLEF, said: “Although the improved offer does not meet our members’ aspirations, ASLEFwill always look for a solution that avoids disruption to passengers and our members losing money unnecessarily while trying to achieve our objectives. So our negotiating team has agreed to postpone the strike action planned for next week so we can meet management at Acas to discuss and further improve their offer. The only reason management is now prepared to make an improved offer is because of the solid strike action that Aslef members have taken. It is their solidarity on four days of strike action so far that has brought management back to the negotiating table.”
If no deal can be agreed during these negotiations there remains a mandate for strike action in the future. However, for now, the strikes are off and normal services should run between 12th and 14th September.