Tube strike set to be called off

Maintenance firm Metronet went into administration in July 2007

Transport union leader Bob Crow has said he will recommend that a planned Tube strike across London should be called off.

The Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union announced on Friday a 48-hour strike to take place from 28 April.

It said Transport for London (TfL) had not provided written guarantees on pensions and travel provision for 2,500 staff at failed private firm Metronet.

RMT general secretary Mr Crow said the guarantees had now been received.

'Written assurances'

Mr Crow said: "We now have in writing undertakings that when the Metronet contracts are taken back in-house by TfL there will be no outsourcing, and that all Metronet staff will be entitled to join the TfL pension fund and enjoy the same travel facilities as other TfL employees.

"That marks substantial progress, and the developments will be placed before the RMT executive on Monday, but on the basis of the written assurances received I will be recommending that the dispute be ended."

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

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

Mr Crow said the union was "adamant" that its members would "not be made to pay" for the firm's collapse.