Unions suspend 2 planned London subway strikes this week to allow talks over dispute

LONDON – London subway workers say they are suspending strikes that had been planned for this week.

Two 24-hour walkouts were planned — one from Tuesday evening, and again on Thursday. The action threatened to disrupt commuters for most of the week.

Workers of the London Underground, or Tube, have been locked in a long-running dispute over plans to start new all-night train services.

The Unite union, which represents 400 technicians and signalers, said it made the decision as a "gesture of goodwill" to allow further talks to be held.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union also said Monday they would suspend this week's strikes. It said, however, that workers may strike on Sept. 8 and 10 if a deal is not reached or if the new night services are imposed.