Tube strikes called off

Previous stoppages created commuter chaos

The RMT union has called off strike action on the London Underground after reaching a deal with managers in a long-running dispute over job security.

The Tube workers have won an agreement that there will be no compulsory redundancies when private companies become involved in running sections of the Tube.

The first of two 24-hour strikes was due to start on Sunday evening, disrupting Monday morning commuter journeys. A second stoppage was planned for Wednesday.

The Tube strike is off - the union got all that we wanted

RMT assistant general secretary Bob Crow

A London Underground spokeswoman said on Friday: "The RMT took a set of proposals to their executive this afternoon, they've agreed and therefore the strike action is off."

RMT assistant general secretary, Bob Crow, said: "The Tube strike is off - the union got all that we wanted."

London Underground had agreed there would be no worsening of employment or safety conditions as well as no compulsory redundancies, he said.

"It's been a long struggle," Mr Crow added.

But underground managers have denied caving in, and offering a "jobs for life" guarantee.

I very much welcome this decision

London mayor, Ken Livingstone

They say the unions will be involved from now on in negotiations about staffing levels.

In return the RMT, which represents a third of drivers, has agreed not to strike without first trying to resolve disputes at the negotiating service ACAS.

London mayor, Ken Livingstone, said: "I very much welcome this decision."

Earlier Tube stoppages this year caused commuter chaos in central London and cost businesses millions in estimated lost revenue.