Rail strikes on 5, 7 and 9 November called off

 

Rail strikes planned for 5, 7 and 9 November (Saturday, Monday and Wednesday) have been called off by the RMT leadership.

The union announced that it has suspended the industrial action after securing 'negotiations with rail bosses'.

Union bosses said they 'will now enter into a period of intensive negotiations with Network Rail and the train operating companies'.

In a statement, the RMT said: 'Through a strong industrial campaign so far, RMT has secured unconditional talks on Network Rail and the promise of an offer from the train companies who up until this point have made no offer of any kind to our members.'

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: '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.

'We are working hard to secure a deal on job security, a decent pay rise and good working conditions.'

The RMT emphasised that the current dispute remains live and it is continuing its re-ballot of members to secure a fresh mandate for industrial action over the next six months, with the results due on 15 November.

A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group, which represents rail companies, 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.

'We remain committed to intensive negotiations to agree the reforms needed to improve reliability, deliver a pay rise for our people and get the industry back on a sustainable financial footing.'

Ticketing and refund policy for passengers on strike days remains in place on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday.

If passengers have tickets for travel on 5, 7 and 9 November, these can still be used on the day before the date on the ticket or up to and including 11 November.

If passengers have a Season Ticket that is monthly or longer, or have an activated days’ worth of travel on a Flexi Season ticket, they can claim 100% compensation for these days through Delay Repay.

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