London Tube Drivers Vote to Strike Despite £70K Pay Offer
RMT Members Reject Pay Rise, Set to Strike
London Underground drivers have voted to strike after rejecting a pay deal that would have boosted their salaries to nearly £70,000 for the first time. The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union members backed industrial action on Tuesday, raising the prospect of Tube strikes hitting the capital soon.
Strike Could Hit October Half-Term & Halloween
This comes amid growing unrest over pay deals across the public sector, with fears of tax hikes and more government borrowing to cover costs. The RMT’s vote means strike dates can now be announced with just two weeks’ notice — potentially clashing with October half-term or Halloween, causing chaos for London commuters.
Drivers Snub 3.8% Offer, Reject Overtime
The union also plans to ban overtime, rest-day working, and training cover for strikebreakers. Though TfL offered a 3.8% pay increase – bumping driver pay from about £69,600 to just over £70,000 – members voted “no.” Many Tube drivers rake in over £100,000 a year thanks to overtime, which the RMT now wants to axe during industrial action.
Mick Lynch, RMT General Secretary, said: “Our members on London Underground are sending a clear message to management that they will not put up with substandard pay offers or any attempt to treat members unequally in any pay deal. We are always willing to find solutions, but our members will not tolerate unfair treatment.”
TfL Responds, Warns of London Travel Mayhem
Transport for London expressed disappointment, urging unions to keep talks going without strike threats.
“We have held constructive talks and made a pay offer. We want a fair, affordable deal that works for London. It’s in everyone’s best interest to avoid strikes and keep the city moving,” a TfL spokesperson said.
If the strike goes ahead, London faces major disruption for commuters and businesses alike. The capital braces for travel chaos unless a last-minute deal is struck.
