TSSA postpones strikes at Network Rail as pay talks prosper

Rail union TSSA has called off forthcoming strikes at Network Rail (NR) in order to facilitate the progress of ongoing ‘constructive, intensive and detailed discussions’ aimed at improving the current offer.

Strikes were due to take place in the union’s national dispute with NR (General Grades 5-8 and controllers) this coming Saturday (5 November), as well as Monday (7 Nov) and Wednesday (9 Nov), running alongside industrial action short of a strike.

The union has now formally withdrawn our notices for all strike action and action short of a strike (ASOS) at NR all of which involves thousands of members.

TSSA has been at the centre of a six-months’ long national rail dispute over job security, a pay rise that reflects the rising cost of living and no changes to terms and conditions without agreement.

However, the union remains in dispute with the Department for Transport (DfT) Train Operating Companies (TOCs) where strike action is still due to take place at various companies between 5 and 9 November, with ASOS also taking place elsewhere across the rail network.

Commenting, TSSA Organising Director, Luke Chester said: “We have always said that where constructive talks are taking place, we will refrain from taking industrial action. Where employers, and/or the government are blocking progress we have no choice but to continue with a program of disruption.

“Our aim has always been to reach a point where we could secure an acceptable offer and we are now reaching that point in negotiations, with what are intensive and detailed discussions.

“Be in no doubt – if Network Rail fail to make sufficient progress to resolve this dispute, we will not hesitate to call further industrial action to protect our brilliant members.

“We do not strike lightly, and the government should take heed and allow the train companies under their control to come to the table with serious proposals. “