The RMT has suspended strike action, due to take place on 5, 7 and 9 November, while the union enters into a period of negotiation with Network Rail and operating companies.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “The threat of strike action and our strongly supported industrial campaign has made the rail employers see sense.
“We have always wanted to secure a negotiated settlement and that is what we will continue to push for in this next phase of intensive talks.
“Our priority is our members, and we are working towards securing a deal on job security, a decent pay rise and good working conditions.”
“Our re-ballot remains live and if we have to take strike action during the next six months to secure a deal, we will.”
The strikes were due to cause travel chaos across the country, however we’re not out of the woods yet – Lynch added that RMT plans remain “very much live” and a re-ballot for further strikes will conclude on 15 November.
Tim Shoveller, Network Rail’s chief negotiator, said: “It’s welcome news that the RMT has called off its strikes but the very late notice means that services for tomorrow cannot be reinstated and will remain extremely limited, and while we, and our train company partners, will work without pause over the weekend, there will be limited ability to change the ‘strike timetable’ for Monday.
“Our advice remains to please check before you travel and on Saturday and Monday and only travel by rail if absolutely necessary.”
Reactions to the news
Operators are starting to react to the news however has warned the news comes too late to improve planned timetables over the weekend and into the early part of next week.
Great Western Railway managing director Mark Hopwood said: “It is positive that talks with the RMT trade union appear to be showing some progress and we’re hopeful that today’s news brings us a step closer to finding a resolution to this long-running dispute.
“Unfortunately, with less than 12 hours’ notice before the strike was due to start, it is too late to restore normal timetables and spare customers from disruption tomorrow and the early part of next week. Our advice remains to only travel by rail if necessary.”
Jonny Wiseman, West Midlands Railway customer experience director, said: “While it is welcome that this strike action has been suspended, it has come too late to reinstate the full timetable for tomorrow and passengers should still only travel if essential.
“Any changes to the planned level of service on Monday and Wednesday will be added to our website as soon as they are available.”
Passengers are also taking to social media to vent their frustrations, calling the action ‘disgraceful’:
0113 2082620
info@railbusinessdaily.com
15 Mariner Court, Wakefield WF4 3FL
