Night Tube Start Date Postponed As Talks Continue (original) (raw)

The Night Tube, due to start running on 12 September to coincide with the Rugby World Cup, has been pushed back.

Ongoing discussions between trade unions and London Underground about contract terms mean that the start date will be delayed.

London Underground boss Nick Brown 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.

"As such, we have decided to defer the introduction of Night Tube to allow more time for those talks to conclude.

"Our objective is to reach an agreement that ends this dispute and delivers the Night Tube for Londoners this Autumn."

Earlier this week strike action was suspended, with Unite saying that it was a "gesture of goodwill" to allow further talks to be held.

However, the union, which represents 400 electrical and maintenance technicians as well as signallers, admitted there were "sticking points".

It is hoped further time for discussion will remedy these obstacles, avoiding the need for further strike action.

More strikes were planned by Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union for 8 and 10 September if an attempt to impose the all-night service was made.

Despite London Underground delaying the start of the Night Tube, the RMT has confirmed that they still plan to strike on these dates.