Dispute resolved over Tube job cuts

A dispute over jobs on London Underground which sparked a crippling strike earlier in the summer and threatened further industrial action has been resolved, it was announced today.

The Rail Maritime and Transport union claimed a "major victory" following the two day strike in June, saying none of its members will face compulsory redundancy under moves to cut 1,000 jobs.

But Transport for London insisted it had not changed its position on jobs as a result of the industrial action.

Bob Crow, general secretary of the RMT said: "As a result of our members standing firm in the current dispute, LU has agreed to the RMT demands that there be no compulsory redundancies.

"One thousand of the LU members transferred to the failed Metronet company were at risk of losing their jobs, but thanks to the two days of strike action we have safeguarded these members' jobs and forced management to abide by negotiated agreements and provide alternative jobs for all displaced staff."

LU interim managing director, Richard Parry said: "It's good news the RMT leadership has now accepted our assurances on jobs following the collapse of Metronet and its integration into LU.

"Nothing has changed since the RMT's pointless strike action, which only lost those staff who took part two days pay. We have been absolutely clear that we sought to avoid compulsory redundancies and that no frontline operational and maintenance staff were part of this process.

"We never offered a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies and this remains this case.

"We now look forward to a resolution and a fair pay agreement that is in the best interests of Londoners and all of our staff."

Further meetings will be held between the two sides to resolve outstanding pay issues.