Is the Network Rail train strike cancelled? TSSA suspends action as RMT mulls improved offer
The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) has said it has suspended its planned bank holiday strike after receiving an improved offer from Network Rail bosses.
However, as things stand, workers at the bigger RMT union – which has five times the number of members as TSSA – is still going ahead with the planned 24-hour walkout from 5pm on Monday May 25.
An RMT spokesman told City A.M. that "currently everything remains exactly the same" but that the union has "received a revised offer from National Rail which is currently being considered".
Unite had been involved in negotiations, but had not yet balloted members. A union spokesman confirmed no action was planned.
TSSA's announcement means that a potential shutdown of all rail services to Gatwick Airport may have been averted. An announcement is expected from Network Rail shortly.
Breaking: TSSA strike action at @NetworkRail suspended after improved offer from employer #railstrike
— TSSA (@TSSAunion) May 21, 2015
Read more: All your Network Rail bank holiday walkout questions answered
Manuel Cortes, General Secretary of the TSSA rail union commented:
Our negotiating team at Acas has received a revised offer from Network Rail. As a result of this, they have suspended the planned industrial action, pending the outcome of a meeting of our workplace representatives next week.
Morning Wire understands that fewer than one in 10 trains were expected to run during the walkout when both unions were striking.