London Tube strikes cancelled at the 11th hour as union claims TfL caves into demands

The news saves commuters days of chaos as they tried to navigate around the nation's capital.

An RMT union spokesman said: "At the 11th hour the employer has shifted its position allowing us to further explore our members concerns around the imposition of new rosters, fatigue and safety issues.

"The dispute is not over and more strike action will follow if we fail to make sufficient progress."

Nick Dent, director of customer operations for London Underground, said: “We are pleased that RMT has withdrawn its planned industrial action this week. This is good news for London.

“Our proposal for a voluntary four-day week is designed to improve both work-life balance for drivers and the reliability of service for customers.

"We look forward to further discussions on the implementation of these proposals with all of our trade unions.”

New strike dates are now scheduled June 2 and 4, if the dispute remains unresolved. Strikes scheduled for June 16 and 18 have also been called off.

The union says its members oppose a new four-day working week arrangement on the underground.

The row centres around the new working week and the union has raised concerns over shift length.

Under TfL's proposed offer, most drivers would see their working week reduced from 36 hours to 35 hours, but their salary would remain the same.

The union argued it was concerned about shift lengths, unacceptable working time arrangements and the possible impact of tiredness on safety.

The union wanted a 32-hour week over four days, which would see drivers work three fewer hours for the same salary.

The move would have been voluntary to switch to four days and while the cancellation of strikes is good for commuters, the union has said there still needs to be progress.

RMT official Jared Wood said in April: "TfL need to come forward with changes to their proposals for this dispute to be resolved."

Claire Mann, TfL's chief operating officer, told the BBC, the four-day week proposal, "allows us to offer train operators an additional day off.

"Whilst at the same time bringing London Underground in line with the working patterns of other train operating companies.

"The changes would be voluntary.

"There would be no reduction in contractual hours and those who wish to continue a five-day working week pattern would be able to do so."

The proposed new strikes date would offer similar disruption as threatened this week, with 24-hour strike periods planned for both.

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