RMT Accepts Three-Year Inflation-Plus Pay Deal for London Underground Workers

Landmark Agreement Reached

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has officially accepted a three-year inflation-plus pay deal for London Underground workers. The agreement, reached on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, brings an end to a protracted dispute that saw widespread strike action across the capital in September. The deal is designed to provide stability and prevent further industrial action over pay for the next three years.

Key Terms of the Pay Deal

The comprehensive pay deal includes several significant provisions for London Underground staff:

• An initial 3.4% pay increase, which will be backdated to April of the current financial year.
• Subsequent annual pay rises linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation rate for the following two years.
• Guaranteed minimum rates of increase, even if inflation levels fall.
• The overall package is estimated to be worth at least 9.2% over the three-year period.

Under the terms of the agreement, the annual salary for Tube drivers is projected to increase to nearly £80,000 by 2027. Station staff, who typically earn between £30,000 and £45,000, will also see their wages rise in line with the new structure. Beyond direct pay, the deal also secures commitments for improved work-life balance, including 'fatigue-friendly' rosters, further discussions on staff travel benefits, and a consistent £400 payment for Boxing Day. No changes to working hours were included in the final agreement, despite the RMT's previous calls for a reduced working week.

Impact of Previous Strikes

The acceptance of this deal follows a period of significant disruption caused by industrial action. Rolling strikes in September 2025 led to the closure of the London Underground network for four days, causing considerable travel chaos for commuters and residents across the capital. RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey hailed the agreement as 'a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of strike action and strong negotiation by our members'. He further noted the significance of securing a deal that does not link pay to 'flawed productivity discussions and measures of inflation that do not include housing costs'.

Broader Union Acceptance Expected

While the RMT, representing a large portion of London Underground workers, has formally accepted the offer, the deal still requires formal acceptance from other unions, including Aslef, Unite, and TSSA. However, it is widely anticipated that these unions will also agree to the terms, with Aslef already having supported the new pay offer. Transport for London (TfL) has welcomed the RMT's decision, with a spokesperson describing the offer as 'fair, affordable and provides certainty for our colleagues over pay for several years'.