Transport for London (TfL) has announced that the highly-anticipated 24-hour London Underground service will not be launching on 12 September, as was originally planned.
The delay comes as a result of ongoing talks between the transport body and trade unions, with a statement from TfL confirming that it won’t be possible to agree rosters and communicate them to staff in time for the original launch date.
Tensions have been high between unions and the transport organisation presently, as was highlighted by the recent tube strikes which brought London to a standstill earlier in the summer. However, it’s felt that progress is being made between TfL and unions including RMT, Aslef and TSSA, who recently agreed to call off two 24-hour strikes as a ‘goodwill gesture’ after talks with the London Underground bosses made progress.
TfL said it had engaged in “two weeks of constructive talks” with said unions, claiming that the delay in the new service’s launch will “allow for the successful conclusion of those talks and agreement that delivers the Night Tube this autumn, and avoids any further strike action.”
Nick Brown, the managing director of London Underground, said:
“Further to the progress made in recent days with the trade unions and the suspension of strike action, we believe we are not far from an agreement that protects the work-life balance of our employees and is affordable, sustainable and fair.”
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