Avanti West Coast strikes over next three Sundays suspended
Strikes planned by Avanti West Coast train managers over the next three Sundays have been suspended to allow negotiations in a long-running dispute over rest day working.
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The rail firm operated trains in the West Midlands - including services from Birmingham New Street to London Euston.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) have already taken industrial action and were due to walk out again on the coming Sundays.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “This breakthrough has been achieved through the strength and determination of our members, whose industrial action has forced Avanti to engage seriously with this dispute.
“As a result, strike action has been suspended to allow space for constructive talks.
“We are fully committed to using the next three weeks productively to secure a negotiated settlement in good faith.
“However, Avanti must demonstrate a real willingness to compromise if it wants to avoid an escalation of this dispute in the coming weeks and months.”
An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: “We are pleased the RMT has suspended strike action for the next three weekends.
“We remain open to working with the RMT to resolve this dispute and will continue to work together to find a resolution.
“This means that tickets will be back on sale for the dates concerned and we will be able to operate our normal Sunday timetable.”
