This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-63510380

The article has changed 13 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Train strikes: Series of strikes from Saturday suspended Train strikes: Series of walkouts from Saturday suspended
(31 minutes later)
A series of strikes by railway workers planned for 5, 7 and 9 November has been suspended, the RMT union has said.A series of strikes by railway workers planned for 5, 7 and 9 November has been suspended, the RMT union has said.
But Network Rail warned that the late notice meant services on Saturday would remain "extremely limited", and trains on Monday are likely to be affected.But Network Rail warned that the late notice meant services on Saturday would remain "extremely limited", and trains on Monday are likely to be affected.
The RMT, which represents rail workers, said it would now enter "a period of intensive negotiations" with Network Rail and the rail companies.The RMT, which represents rail workers, said it would now enter "a period of intensive negotiations" with Network Rail and the rail companies.
The strike had been called in a dispute over pay and conditions.The strike had been called in a dispute over pay and conditions.
They involved staff at Network Rail, which employs signalling workers across England, Scotland and Wales.They involved staff at Network Rail, which employs signalling workers across England, Scotland and Wales.
As a result, the action had been expected to have a major impact across the network, with only a fifth of services due to run. The action had been expected to have a major impact across the network, with only a fifth of services due to run.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said the threat of strike action "has made the rail employers see sense".RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said the threat of strike action "has made the rail employers see sense".
"We have always wanted to secure a negotiated settlement and that is what we will continue to push for in this next phase of intensive talks."We have always wanted to secure a negotiated settlement and that is what we will continue to push for in this next phase of intensive talks.
"Our priority is our members, and we are working towards securing a deal on job security, a decent pay rise and good working conditions.""Our priority is our members, and we are working towards securing a deal on job security, a decent pay rise and good working conditions."
He added that there had been "the promise of an offer" on pay from the rail operating companies.He added that there had been "the promise of an offer" on pay from the rail operating companies.
Mr Lynch also warned that if the union felt the need to take strike action during the next six months, it would still do so.Mr Lynch also warned that if the union felt the need to take strike action during the next six months, it would still do so.
Tim Shoveller, Network Rail's chief negotiator, welcomed the suspension of the strike but said: "The very late notice means that services for tomorrow cannot be reinstated and will remain extremely limited," adding that services on Monday are also likely to be disrupted. Train strikes: What are the dates and which lines are affected?
Tim Shoveller, Network Rail's chief negotiator, welcomed the suspension of the strike but said: "The very late notice means that services for tomorrow cannot be reinstated and will remain extremely limited." Services on Monday are also likely to be disrupted, he added.
He said Network Rail "look forward to getting back round the table with all our trades unions early next week to see if the progress made this week can be built on, and a resolution found."He said Network Rail "look forward to getting back round the table with all our trades unions early next week to see if the progress made this week can be built on, and a resolution found."
Network Rail continues to advise passengers to check before they travel, and to only travel by rail if absolutely necessary on Saturday and Monday.Network Rail continues to advise passengers to check before they travel, and to only travel by rail if absolutely necessary on Saturday and Monday.
Mark Harper, the UK's new transport secretary, said that the suspension of the strike action was "a positive development for passengers up and down the country".Mark Harper, the UK's new transport secretary, said that the suspension of the strike action was "a positive development for passengers up and down the country".
But he cautioned that the very late notice means "there will still be significant disruption across the network tomorrow and into Monday".But he cautioned that the very late notice means "there will still be significant disruption across the network tomorrow and into Monday".
He added that calling off the latest strikes has given negotiations between unions and employers a "better chance of success".He added that calling off the latest strikes has given negotiations between unions and employers a "better chance of success".
The suspension of the strikes is a significant development.
It's the first time in the RMT's long-running dispute that a strike has been called off to make further talks easier, although another transport union, the TSSA, had already called off November action so discussions could continue.
The announcement has been made 11 days before a fresh RMT strike ballot is due to close on 15 November.
The union's general secretary Mick Lynch previously told the BBC that the union expected a new mandate that would last until the middle of next year if needed.