Are we likely to see more Tube strikes?

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A 72-hour Tube strike was suspended after talks at Acas

So in the end the second tranche of Tube strikes were suspended, much to the relief of commuters.

The RMT union managed to get in black and white that all members who are relocated or who have their roles changed will keep the same pay.

It was unlocked after London Underground dropped Friday's demand for the union to call off the whole dispute and not just suspend this strike.

One of the big demands of the union though - for a public consultation - has not been granted. And it seems all ticket offices on the Tube will still close.

Transport bosses have told me there is not even the mechanism within the station review to save any ticket offices. The union thinks it still can save some.

Image source, PA
Image caption,

Vintage buses were brought back into use during last week's strikes to supplement services

There are three weeks and theoretically there could be more strikes after that. But I don't get the feeling there is much appetite for more on this issue at the moment.

London Underground claims it would have run more services this week than last. It also claimed more and more staff were coming to work.

But this is just the beginning of big changes on the Underground. Transport for London has to save £4.2bn by 2020-21 after its government grant was cut.

That means train automation will rear its controversial head, as will reform of pay and pensions. All of those will bring disputes.

Just today the TSSA union announced a 24-hour strike planned for Friday in the information centres over pay and pensions. Commuters will fear this is just the start of things to come.

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