Potential strikes on London Underground have been averted after the RMT accepted LUL’s latest pay offer.

Lower paid staff will see their pay rise between 5 and 6.6 per cent, and the average increase will be 4.6 per cent.

The union has also welcomed the scrapping of a freeze on pay bands and of proposals to introduce new structures which it claims would have affected work-life balance.

Harmonised paternity leave has been extended to three weeks, there will be three years of protection of earnings for staff who have been displaced for medical reasons, and improved travel privileges for retired staff.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: ‘This agreement is a landmark victory for our members and a vindication of RMT’s determination to fight for fair pay and conditions.’

However, there is still the possibility of minor disruption on the Elizabeth Line on New Year’s Eve, because the RMT has called a 24-hour strike of control room staff starting at 21.00 on 31 December, in a separate dispute over pay. A ban on overtime and rest day working has also been called from 5 December to 18 December.

The union wants improvements to staff leave and shorter working hours.

TfL said Elizabeth Line services, which are operated for TfL by MTR, would still run during the strike, but that trains might be busier than usual. It added: ‘We encourage the RMT and MTR to find a solution.’