RAIL strikes in Cumbria set for next week have been called off following talks between unions and the Rail Delivery Group (RDG).

The RMT had scheduled strike action on Thursday, March 30 and Saturday, April 1 in their long running dispute over pay and job security with the railway operators but the strikes have been cancelled following a proposal from the RDG which ‘could lead to a resolution to resolve the current national rail dispute’ according to the RMT.

Train operators have offered a pay increase worth 9% over two years to staff, with a higher raise for the lowest paid.

The union had initially rejected the deal and it is not clear whether there has been any more money offered.

A spokesperson for the RDG, representing train operators, said: “We welcome this positive step by the leadership of the RMT to call off their planned action. This is great news for our customers and for our staff.

“We are now jointly focused on working constructively towards a settlement to this dispute, which will mean we can do what we have always wanted to do – give our people a pay rise and help secure the long-term future of the railway with rewarding careers for all those who work on it.”

Despite the cancellation of planned strike action the RMT have said that the dispute remains on and the union will continue to make preparations for a re-ballot when the current mandates runs out in mid-May.

The RMT ended their dispute with Network Rail this week after six months of strike action following a pay offer which was accepted by members.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “This marks a positive step and takes us closer to resolving this dispute.

 

“After Network Rail employees overwhelmingly voted to accept a similar pay offer earlier this week, we’re once again asking the RMT executive to do the right thing and put this fair and reasonable offer to its members, giving them the pay rise they deserve and helping us end this dispute.”