Rail strikes suspended after pay rise promise
A series of planned strikes by railway workers has been suspended
Last updated 4th Nov 2022
A series of planned strikes by railway workers which was due to start tomorrow has been suspended.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) had been due to stage 24-hour walkouts on Saturday and next Monday and Wednesday in a long-running dispute over jobs, pay and conditions.
The RMT said it has secured “unconditional” talks on Network Rail and the promise of a pay offer from the train operating companies.
The union said the dispute remains “very much live” and it is continuing its re-ballot of members to secure a fresh mandate for action with the result due on 15 November.
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.”
Disruption still expected
Whilst the strikes were called off, the late notice means that disruption is still expected this weekend.
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.
A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group said: “It is positive that the RMT leadership have stepped back from the brink and called off their strike action.
“Unfortunately, the late notice means that while train companies are working hard to reinstate services, they will remain severely disrupted for our passengers tomorrow and into the early part of next week.
“Our advice remains to please check before you travel and on Saturday and Monday only travel by rail if necessary.