A series of rail strikes which were due to begin from tomorrow (November 5) have been suspended after union bosses met with rail companies.
Workers were set to walk out for three days, but the RMT union confirmed this afternoon it had entered “intensive negotiations” with Network Rail and service providers.
Strikes were planned for November 5, 7, and 9, across the entire rail network as Network Rail owns and operates Britain's railway infrastructure. Northern, LNER, and CrossCountry services are still running a reduced timetable on what would have been the first day of walkouts.
A section of the Metro past Pelaw is also owned by Network Rail and was included in the strike zone. But Nexus, which operates Tyne and Wear Metro, confirmed this afternoon that it will not be able to run trains along the line past Pelaw because of "late notice" given by the union.
Mick Lynch, general secretary at the RMT, said: “The threat of strike action and our strongly supported industrial campaign has made the rail employers see sense,” said Mr Lynch.
“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.”
Workers were set to walk out over an ongoing pay and condition dispute, but insist they will continue if a deal is not struck.
“Our priority is our members, and we are working towards securing a deal on job security, a decent pay rise and good working conditions,” added Mr Lynch.
“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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