Boost for commuters as rail strikes called off

Railway signal workers in Scotland have suspended plans for strike action next week.

Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union members at the West of Scotland signalling centre in Glasgow had been due to stage two further strikes next Monday and Friday in a dispute over career progression.

But after talks with conciliation service Acas, the action has been put off to allow “meaningful dialogue” to take place.

RMT members had planned to walk out for 24 hours from 5:59am on Monday and again from 5:59am on Friday.

It followed a walkout over the festive period that forced the cancellation of about 100 trains on Christmas Eve.

The RMT said the dispute was over changes to an arrangement under which vacant posts were offered to staff.

A union spokesman said: “Having reviewed the file, we note correspondence from the regional organiser regarding his discussions with Acas.

“Having also conversed with the regional organiser and the West of Scotland signalling centre representatives regarding this matter, we suspend the current planned strike action to allow meaningful dialogue to take place which may resolve the current impasse.”

Network Rail said it would use the existing collective bargaining agreement with the union to try to resolve the dispute.

A spokesman said: “The RMT has suspended plans for strike action next week, following Acas-facilitated talks.

“The union and Network Rail will instead progress the union’s grievance regarding appointing signallers on merit through the agreement between the union and employer.

“The strikes have been suspended and a normal service will be provided for passengers using Glasgow Central station.”