RMT November strikes Birmingham: RMT suspended planned days of strike action

The National Union of Railway, Maritime and Transport workers (RMT) has suspended its planned strike action for the next week.

The strikes were due to take place on November 5,7 and 9 but has been suspended whilst the union enters into “a period of intensive negotiations with Network Rail and the train operating companies.

A news update from the RMT reads: “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 was intent on imposing changes to maintenance without agreement with RMT.

“The current dispute remains very much live, and the union is continuing its re-ballot of members to secure a fresh mandate for action with the result due on November 15.”

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.”