RMT Imposes Undermining Agreement on London Underground Workers
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) has ended the London Underground dispute, presenting the deal as a success for train drivers, engineers, signallers, and station staff. However, the outcome distorts key demands for improved pay and shorter working hours.
End of the Dispute
On November 4, RMT announced the conclusion of the conflict with a statement proclaiming:
“RMT secures three-year no-strings pay deal on London Underground.”
This announcement masks the reality that around 10,000 London Underground workers launched their campaign to resist what effectively amounted to a 3.4 percent pay reduction for 2025/26, given that the Retail Price Index stands at 4.5 percent, and to protest against unsafe workloads.
Union’s Internal Actions
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey stated:
“This deal is a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of strike action and strong negotiations by our members.”
In truth, while the union received a 96 percent strike mandate, actions ceased after an initial strike held from September 5 to 12, which was joined by RMT workers on the Docklands Light Railway fighting the same inadequate 3.4 percent offer. Thereafter, discussions were carried out behind closed doors between RMT officials, London Underground, and Transport for London executives, without member participation or oversight.
Behind Closed Doors
Following these undisclosed talks, Dempsey confirmed in a September 29 press release that the previously rejected 3.4 percent pay rise would form the settlement’s foundation. This decision effectively disregarded the initial strike mandate and the workforce’s central demands.
Summary
The settlement showcases leadership compromise rather than genuine representation, leaving workers’ pay and safety concerns unresolved.
Author’s summary: RMT settled the London Underground dispute through closed negotiations, sacrificing workers’ pay and safety goals for an insufficient deal.