The threat of industrial action on the cross-London Elizabeth Line serving Heathrow at half term has been lifted.
The transport and travel industry union TSSA had already suspended strike action planned for tomorrow (Wednesday) – the first anniversary of the line officially opening.
Planned action short of a strike, which was due to start on May 27, has now been cancelled after members voted to accept an improved pay offer.
Eighty percent of the union’s members working on one of the UK’s busiest rail lines voted to accept the latest offer which it said addressed its main concerns.
A one-day stoppage by dozens of TSSA members working on the Elizabeth Line in January closed the central section of the route between Paddington and Abbey Wood.
The union’s members work in operational roles on the railway which introduced a new timetable yesterday with trains running all day from Shenfield in Essex to Heathrow Terminal 5.
An estimated 30% of Elizabeth Line journeys to and from Heathrow have come from those who might previously have used Heathrow Express to the airport, according to TfL.
The new timetable sees more frequent services to and from the airport, with six trains an hour. All Heathrow trains stop at Terminal 2 and 3, with four trains an hour continuing to Terminal 4, and two an hour to Terminal 5.
TSSA interim organising director Mel Taylor said: “Elizabeth Line’s new offer recognises the uniquely multi-skilled nature of our members, who operate the world’s only fully digital railway.
“Our members were being paid thousands of pounds less than colleagues performing similar roles on other parts of the Transport for London (TfL) network.
“This offer goes some way towards bringing their pay more in line with the rest of TfL. The revised offer from Elizabeth Line rewards the multi-skilled role and offers staff an opportunity for career progression.”
Heathrow surface access director Sophie Chapman said: ”Heathrow is the world’s gateway to the UK and we’re delighted our east London and Essex passengers can now travel quickly and easily direct to the airport.
“The Elizabeth Line has revolutionised London transport and the extension of the service will open up new travel opportunities to Heathrow’s extensive travel destinations.”