Talks to avert rail strike set to resume next week

TALKS aimed at averting a crippling strike by thousands of rail workers will resume early next week.

Union leaders revealed they were drawing up a proposed framework for resolving disputes over plans by Network Rail (NR) to axe 1,500 maintenance jobs and change working practices.

The conciliation service Acas announced last night that talks between the Rail Maritime and Transport union, the Transport Salaried Staffs Association and NR will take place from Monday.