Union suspends 48-hour rail strike (From Witney Gazette)

Union suspends 48-hour rail strike

7:17pm Tuesday 15th January 2008 in Headlines

A PLANNED 48-hour strike by hundreds of rail guards at a leading train company has been called off, averting travel chaos for thousands of commuters.

About 500 guards at First Great Western were due to walk out from Sunday in a row over industrial relations and claims that managers were driving trains.

The Rail Maritime and Transport union said the strike had been called off after the company agreed not to use managers to drive or work trains as guards, allowing further talks to be held.

General secretary Bob Crow said: "The resolve of RMT members at First Great Western has led the company to listen and act on our concerns and we hope a resolution can be found.

"Our strike mandate is still valid and negotiations will continue on a number of issues essential to the resolution to this dispute."

The news came ahead of a meeting in Bath by a passenger group complaining about First Great Western train services.

The group, More Train Less Strain, will consider calls to stage action, including withholding fares, in protest at the level of services.