RAIL workers on the London Overground are about to withdraw their strike threat after winning an average 20 per cent pay rise. The RMT rail union has sewn up a deal after negotiating with a massive 10-to-one mandate for industrial action in the run up to the talks

By Mike Brooke

RAIL workers on the London Overground are about to withdraw their strike threat after winning an average 20 per cent pay rise.

The RMT rail union has sewn up a deal after negotiating with a massive 10-to-one mandate for industrial action in the run up to the talks.

The deal with London Overground Rail Operations boosts staff wages by a fifth—and also means no extension of driver only’ trains on the orbital network which includes the North London Line and the revamped East London Line when it reopens next year.

TRAINGUARDS SAFEGUARDS

The union was jubilant that train guards have kept their jobs as well as a further 23 new posts being created.

“This is a massive victory for our members on London Overground,” union general secretary Bob Crow said today (Monday).

“They have fought hard for a decent pay deal—they stood firm during these negotiations and this is a result that they fully deserve.”

CITY HALL OK

City Hall tonight welcomed the deal which avoids what could have been crippling industrial action for tens-of-thousands of commuters.

A Transport for London statement said: “Pay and conditions are a matter for London Overground Operations. We welcome this successful negotiation between the company and the union.”

The RMT union is now carrying out a formal ballot to recommend to accepting the 20 per cent offer.