Avanti West Coast strikes suspended for talks

The RMT union says it wants to use the next three weeks to "secure a negotiated settlement"

Strikes planned by Avanti West Coast train managers have been suspended to allow negotiations in a long-running dispute over rest day working.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) were planning to walk out on the next three Sundays.

Before Christmas the union said a revised proposal put to them was rejected by 83% of the 400 members involved in the dispute, before announcing new strike dates.

The RMT described the latest postponement as a "breakthrough", while Avanti said it remained open to working with the union to resolve the dispute.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "This breakthrough has been achieved through the strength and determination of our members, whose industrial action has forced Avanti to engage seriously with this dispute.

"As a result, strike action has been suspended to allow space for constructive talks.

"We are fully committed to using the next three weeks productively to secure a negotiated settlement in good faith."

But Mr Lynch warned that Avanti must "demonstrate a real willingness to compromise" if it wanted to avoid an escalation of this dispute.

Avanti West Coast said it was pleased the strikes had been suspended.

"We remain open to working with the RMT to resolve this dispute and will continue to work together to find a resolution," a spokesperson said.

"This means that tickets will be back on sale for the dates concerned and we will be able to operate our normal Sunday timetable."