Rail union RMT has suspended planned strikes on Nov 5, 7 and 9 and will now enter into a period of intensive negotiations with Network Rail and the train operating companies.
Through a strong industrial campaign so far, RMT has secured unconditional talks on Network Rail and the promise of an offer from the train operating companies who up until this point, have made no offer of any kind to our members.
Originally Network Rail had declared discussions and consultations closed and was intent on imposing changes to maintenance without agreement with RMT.
They have now rowed back and will continue discussions on the basis that “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed.”
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 6 months to secure a deal, we will.”
Jane English, Acting Managing Director at Merseyrail said, “Following the announcement today of the suspension of industrial action by Network Rail staff who are members of the RMT union, Merseyrail are now able to run more trains tomorrow.
“Saturday 5 November will see a 30-minute service in operation, with trains calling at all stations. Services will commence slightly later than originally planned at around 8am.
“Given the short notice provided of the industrial action being cancelled, it is not possible to run our normal timetable.
“We are working hard to restore a full timetable for the cancelled strike days on 7 and 9 November and will provide details of the arrangements for these days as soon as we can.”
Customers should check the Merseyrail website and social channels prior to travel for the latest information.
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