Travel chaos averted as rail union suspends Christmas strike action on Central and Bakerloo lines

The rail union has suspended its planned action on the Central and Bakerloo lines that was set to wreak havoc over the Christmas period.

The Central Line strike was due to take place from 9pm tomorrow and last until Saturday at midnight, when the the line would reopen for the night service. Drivers on the Waterloo & City Line were also set to strike.

The dispute centres on the sacking of a driver who failed three drugs tests. The RMT has accused London Underground of "ten months of mismanagement" over the "highly sensitive" case. The strike was also being held because of a "breakdown of industrial relations".

The driver in question has not been reinstated by London Underground.

However, progress was made in talks between the RMT and London Underground today, averting the strike.

The Bakerloo Line strike that was set to last 18 hours on Boxing Day and for 24 hours from 11.29pm on Sunday 13 January has also been cancelled.

RMT launched the walkout over allegations London Underground has hacked "staffing levels back to the bone".

However, the union also warned today that if "substantial progress" was not made in other areas strike action could hit the Underground in the New Year.

London mayor Sadiq Khan said:  “It's good news for Londoners that the strike planned on the Central Line this weekend has been called off. The strike would have caused major disruption for commuters and shoppers around the busy Christmas period.

“Since I became Mayor the number of days lost to strikes on the tube has been reduced by 65 per cent. This is because we have listened to the concerns of workers and engaged in constructive dialogue with the trade unions. I want to wish all passengers and staff across London an enjoyable and happy Christmas.”

Director of line operations for London Underground Nick Dent said: “I welcome the decision by the RMT to suspend the strike action around Christmas. We have engaged in constructive discussions in recent days and have agreed on ways to resolve these disputes, avoiding unnecessary disruption around such an important period for customers, tourists and businesses alike.”