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RMT union boss 'hopeful' of deal to avoid more Tube strikes RMT union boss 'hopeful' of deal to avoid more Tube strikes
(about 1 hour later)
There were almost no Tube services from Sunday 7 September for five daysThere were almost no Tube services from Sunday 7 September for five days
The general secretary of the union behind last week's Tube strikes has said he is "optimistic" a deal can be struck with Transport for London (TfL) but warned transport bosses not to give them the "cold shoulder".The general secretary of the union behind last week's Tube strikes has said he is "optimistic" a deal can be struck with Transport for London (TfL) but warned transport bosses not to give them the "cold shoulder".
There were almost no services between 7 and 12 September due to a rolling walkout by workers in the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union.There were almost no services between 7 and 12 September due to a rolling walkout by workers in the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union.
Eddie Dempsey told BBC Radio London: "I am hopeful, I'm almost optimistic but I've seen a few negotiations go wrong. I think we'll make some progress in these discussions."Eddie Dempsey told BBC Radio London: "I am hopeful, I'm almost optimistic but I've seen a few negotiations go wrong. I think we'll make some progress in these discussions."
TfL has been approached for comment but previously described the union's demands for a 32-hour week as "unaffordable".TfL has been approached for comment but previously described the union's demands for a 32-hour week as "unaffordable".
Eddie Dempsey spoke to BBC Radio London's Eddie Nestor and callers on Monday Eddie Dempsey spoke to BBC Radio London's Eddie Nestor on Monday
The transport body has offered a 3.4% pay deal and invited the union to talks on Wednesday.The transport body has offered a 3.4% pay deal and invited the union to talks on Wednesday.
The RMT union called the action over pay and its unmet demand for a 32-hour working week, a reduction of three hours.The RMT union called the action over pay and its unmet demand for a 32-hour working week, a reduction of three hours.
On Monday, Elizabeth line usage increased by nearly a third, cycle-hire figures were up by 93% by Wednesday, and usage of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers rose by 70% across the week.On Monday, Elizabeth line usage increased by nearly a third, cycle-hire figures were up by 93% by Wednesday, and usage of Uber Boat by Thames Clippers rose by 70% across the week.
London Overground usage was also up significantly throughout the strike and bus usage rose by around 10% as Londoners sought alternative modes of transport.London Overground usage was also up significantly throughout the strike and bus usage rose by around 10% as Londoners sought alternative modes of transport.
Some Londoners turned to two wheels to try to get around LondonSome Londoners turned to two wheels to try to get around London
Mr Dempsey said: "I think it would be remarkably foolish if we get the cold shoulder at the first meeting from TfL.Mr Dempsey said: "I think it would be remarkably foolish if we get the cold shoulder at the first meeting from TfL.
"We'll take our time with it, we'll do the best we can to come to a reasonable settlement, we'll consult our people and if we can get ourselves into a position where there's a compromise that works on both sides then we'll settle.""We'll take our time with it, we'll do the best we can to come to a reasonable settlement, we'll consult our people and if we can get ourselves into a position where there's a compromise that works on both sides then we'll settle."
"We don't want to come back out into strike action but if this all collapses and we turn up for the talks and get the cold shoulder and there's no progress, no movements, I'll have to go back to my members and ask them what they want to do next and the answer is probably more strike action.""We don't want to come back out into strike action but if this all collapses and we turn up for the talks and get the cold shoulder and there's no progress, no movements, I'll have to go back to my members and ask them what they want to do next and the answer is probably more strike action."
For another strike to take place, RMT members would need to be balloted and at least two weeks' notice given.For another strike to take place, RMT members would need to be balloted and at least two weeks' notice given.
Mr Dempsey added: "Londoners can rest assured: you only see us when we're on strike but the majority of things we do is settle deals.Mr Dempsey added: "Londoners can rest assured: you only see us when we're on strike but the majority of things we do is settle deals.
"We're a union that makes deals everywhere and we've settled hundreds of pay claims this year and this just happens to be one where we've hit the buffers.""We're a union that makes deals everywhere and we've settled hundreds of pay claims this year and this just happens to be one where we've hit the buffers."
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