RMT agrees to meet Southern bosses in bid to settle dispute
(about 2 hours later)
Southern rail's parent company has invited the RMT union for talks next week in an attempt to settle their long-running dispute.
The RMT union has agreed to meet Southern rail's parent company for talks in an attempt to settle their long-running dispute.
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) said the request had been made in a letter from its chief executive, Charles Horton, to RMT general secretary Mick Cash.
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) sent a request from its chief executive, Charles Horton, to RMT general secretary Mick Cash to hold meetings.
Mr Horton has asked Mr Cash that discussions be held "without the threat of further industrial action".
Mr Horton has asked Mr Cash that discussions be held "without the threat of further industrial action".
The RMT said it had now received a formal offer of talks from GTR.
Earlier the union said it was considering more strikes.
In a statement, the union said: "That offer will be considered by RMT's executive later today [Friday]."
In a regular Westminster briefing, Prime Minister Theresa May's spokesman said talks needed to happen to end the "untold misery" caused by the dispute.
Asked if Mrs May had a message for the RMT, the spokesman said: "The message would be a simple one - get back round the table with GTR and bring an end to these strikes."
Earlier, the union said it was considering more strikes on Southern's rail network, despite drivers' union Aslef reaching an agreement with bosses.
Both unions have been embroiled in a bitter row with Southern over changes to the role of guards on trains.
The deal between the rail operator and Aslef was announced on Thursday, but no details were given. The RMT was not invited to the TUC-brokered talks.
BBC South transport correspondent Paul Clifton: What's in the Aslef deal?
As I understand it, the Aslef union has agreed that drivers will operate the train doors - that is a huge climbdown.
In return, the company has agreed there will always be a second member of staff on every train - that is a huge climbdown, too.
In other words, a compromise has been reached.
Working practices will be modernised but train crew will also see this deal as a way of protecting safety.
Not quite done-and-dusted but I imagine the drivers will approve it.
Earlier on Friday, RMT assistant general secretary Steve Hedley said it was "scandalous other people think they can do a deal that affects our members".
He added: "We are not bound by that deal. The dispute is still on."
In the letter, Mr Horton has apparently told the RMT his negotiating team was willing to meet next week "in a spirit of open and positive dialogue to explore the areas of difference between us with a view to resolving the dispute..."
Mr Horton said: "[Aslef] were prepared to come to the table, with passengers liberated of any threat of strike action.
"Both parties arrived ready to listen, have an open mind and ready to do a deal...
"We would call on the RMT to follow that same consensual spirit and leadership and come to the table with the courage, confidence and conviction to settle their dispute."
