Virgin Trains East Coast workers suspend strike action

A Virgin train at Newcastle Central Station Credit: Owen Humphreys/PA Archive/Press Association Images

A planned strike by workers on Virgin Trains East Coast has been suspended, the rail franchise confirmed.

Members of the RMT union were due to stage three 24-hour strikes over August bank holiday weekend in a row over jobs, working conditions and safety.

However, Virgin Trains said the union has "returned to the table for further discussions" and welcomed the decision to suspend industrial action.

David Horne, Managing Director for Virgin Trains on the East Coast route, said:

In a letter to members, RMT general secretary Mick Cash said:

The RMT said almost 200 jobs are threatened at Virgin Trains East Coast.

The dispute involves around 1,800 of its members, including guards, station staff and some drivers.

Virgin Trains had reassured customers it would run a full timetable during the industrial action.