Planned 48-hour Tube strike off

Maintenance firm Metronet went into administration in July 2007

A planned 48-hour strike on the London Underground has been called off.

A spokesman for the Rail Maritime and Transport union said the dispute had been settled and the planned industrial action on 28 April cancelled.

The union's leader, Bob Crow, hinted over the weekend that agreement would be reached with Transport for London.

At issue was the demand for written guarantees on pensions and travel provision for 2,500 staff at failed private firm Metronet.

Tube maintenance firm Metronet went into administration last July after an estimated £2bn overspend.

It is difficult to understand why these assurances could not have been given without us having to name strike dates RMT leader Bob Crow

Last month, the House of Commons Transport Committee said the company and its shareholders were "primarily responsible" for its collapse.

Mr Crow praised the members' determination to win the dispute.

"It is difficult to understand why these assurances could not have been given without us having to name strike dates."

A Transport for London spokesperson said: "The Rail Maritime and Transport union wanted the verbal and written assurances they had received from the mayor some weeks ago, with regard to pensions and travel benefits when London Underground takes control of Metronet, to be confirmed by London Underground.

"This is not unusual as such benefits are generally extended to the employees of organisations that become part of TfL.

"This is precisely what was done. No additional matters were discussed nor agreed."