Rail strikes suspended after 'workers promised pay rise' but Tube and Overground strikes still on
'I can actually get on with my life' - Commuters expressed relief as the RMT halted planned rail strikes, but further action hasn't been ruled out, ITV News' Sejal Karia reports.
A series of planned strikes by railway workers in a long-running dispute over jobs, pay and conditions has been suspended. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) had been due to stage 24-hour walkouts on Saturday, 5 November, Monday, 7 November, and Wednesday, 9 November.
However, strikes on the Tube and London Overground will go ahead as planned on Thursday, 10 November, as they are separate disputes, the union told ITV News.
The RMT said it had secured “unconditional” talks with Network Rail and the promise of a pay offer from the train operating companies. It 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.
However, passengers in both England and Wales are still being warned to expect disruption to their journeys, as operators have had too little notice to restore normal timetables.
The 'Do Not Travel' notices are still being issued by South Western Railway and Great Western Railway, who are urging people to find alternative transport for Saturday.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “The threat of strike action and our strongly supported industrial campaign has made the rail employers see sense.
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“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.”
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