Southern train engineers call off strike

Rail engineers were set to strike for five days, after union RMT balloted its members, and industrial action was set to start on Sunday (July 12), until Friday (July 17).

It said a “breakdown in industrial relations” was the reason for the strike.

But a deal was brokered today.

A Southern Rail spokesperson said, “During the forthcoming pay talks, Southern, with the agreement of GTR, will make an offer which will include a reduction in the working week, in a phased way, to a 37 hour week by May 2017 as part of a multi-year deal to be negotiated with GTR.

“Southern recognises the hard work and commitment of our engineering staff has contributed towards the efficient operation of the company over the life of the franchise and any pay offer will be fully cognisant of this fact.

“In recognition of this the RMT has agreed to suspend the current dispute.”

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