Railway strikes suspended as RMT secures 'unconditional talks' with Network Rail
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Rail strikes planned for Saturday, Monday and Wednesday have been called off, the RMT union has said.
It says it will now enter into a period of intensive negotiations with Network Rail and the train operating companies.
The RMT has secured unconditional talks with Network Rail and the promise of an offer from the train operating companies which it says have made no offer to its members to date.
Despite suspending strike action planned for November 5, 7 and 9, the union says that the current dispute remains "very much live", and it is continuing to re-ballot it members to secure a fresh mandate for action, with the result due on November 15.
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.”
