Croydon Tramlink: Strikes called off thanks to 'meaningful talks', says union

Tramlink services serves commuters in Croydon, south London

Industrial action that would have seen the suspension of tram services in south London has been suspended, a union has said.

About 60 Croydon Tramlink engineers were to go on strike over pay from Sunday 24 March to Thursday 28 March.

The strike was called off after Transport for London (TfL) agreed to engage in "meaningful talks", the union said.

TfL said the suspension was "good news" for south London commuters.

Strike action is still planned for dates in May and July, TfL has said.

Unite regional officer Bruce Swann said: "As a sign of good faith, our members have agreed to suspend strike action after TfL said it would meaningfully negotiate with Unite over pay disparities.

"Strike action will occur during May and July, however, if a satisfactory outcome is not reached during the talks."

The union previously said members who were tram, stores and infrastructure engineers were paid up to £10,000 less per year than those in the same role on the London Underground.

TfL's general manager for London Trams, David Golshan, said: "We will continue to work closely with all trade union representatives to address concerns and avoid disruption."

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