'Progress' over Olympic East Midlands Trains strike threat

East Midlands Trains' drivers plan to strike from 6-8 August in a row over pension changes

East Midlands Trains has said talks to avert a three-day strike by drivers during the Olympics have made progress.

Members of the train drivers' union Aslef have scheduled industrial action for 6-8 August in a row over pension contribution cuts.

But the rail operator said it remained hopeful that the union would accept its proposals and call off the strikes.

Aslef said it would discuss a revised offer during further negotiations. Last month, two strike dates were suspended.

'A way forward'

A spokesman for East Midlands Trains said: "Progressive talks were held with Aslef.

"We believe we have addressed the outstanding point raised by the union on the additional pensions benefits proposal and feel we have a way forward.

"We are waiting to hear from Aslef whether it will call off the Olympics strike action... We remain hopeful that they will call off the strikes."

The spokesman added that "discussions are still ongoing".

Aslef had said previous talks with East Midlands Trains failed to produce a breakthrough.

Its members oppose the firm's plans to reduce both its own and staff contributions to its pension fund from July.

The train operator had said in June that the change would leave drivers £500 a year better off without affecting pension benefits.