Many train services will start later than usual on Tuesday and Avanti West Coast will run a reduced timetable all day, despite the cancellation of planned strikes this week.
Three 24-hour strikes planned by railway workers for 5, 7 and 9 November were called off last Friday, as the RMT union said it would enter “a period of intensive negotiations” with Network Rail and other train operators.
However, there is still widespread disruption to services. Avanti said it would run a limited service between London Euston and Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Preston, from just before 8am until mid-afternoon.
North Wales, Shrewsbury, Blackpool and Edinburgh will have no Avanti West Coast services, with the disruption likely to continue into the next two days.
Even though rail operating companies were told on Friday that the strikes were not going ahead, services have been disrupted, as companies struggle to schedule staff at short notice and ensure rolling stock is in the right place.
Southeastern said its services would run as usual on Tuesday, while most other operators warned of later start times.
It is the first time in the RMT’s long-running dispute that a strike has been cancelled to hold further negotiations. The union said it had secured “unconditional talks” with Network Rail and the promise of a pay offer from the train operating companies.
However, the RMT general secretary, Mick Lynch, warned: “Our re-ballot remains live and if we have to take strike action during the next six months to secure a deal, we will.”
A strike by RMT members on London underground and overground is scheduled to go ahead on Thursday. Transport for London has advised passengers to avoid travelling on the tube on that day, and said services on the overground would be reduced.
Source: The Guardian
