Tube strike cancellation 'too late' for sector

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Too late: tube strikes suspended at the "eleventh hour" (Credit: Getty/ Bim)

The damage done to hospitality businesses by tube strikes is “undoubtedly too late to reverse” as planned tube strikes in London are cancelled at the “eleventh hour”.

On Sunday 7 January, the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) announced tube strikes set to take place across Transport for London (TfL) services from Monday 11 to Thursday 11 January would be suspended.

Positive news 

However, UKHospitality (UKH) chief executive Kate Nicholls took to social media to share her thoughts on the cancelled strikes, stating while this was “positive news” it would be “too late to reverse” the damage to the sector.

In a post shared to X, formerly known as Twitter, Nicholls said: “Good to have strikes called off at eleventh hour, but undoubtedly too late to reverse all the cancellations and changed plans. Hopefully it does lead to a final resolution.”

Moreover, the chief executive explained she would be talking about the impact of this issue on hospitality businesses later today (Monday 8 January).

Lost sales 

In a separate post to X on Sunday 7 January, Nicholls also said: “Some positive news - these strikes would have crippled services all week and cost hospitality businesses £50m in lost sales. Good they have been suspended after 'positive' talks with TfL.”

RMT said the decision to suspend the strike action came as discussions with TfL regarding ongoing pay disputes for London Underground members had “made progress”.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said on social media: “This shows what can be achieved by engaging with trade unions and transport staff rather than working against them.”