It’s official, next week’s train strikes have been cancelled

Train strikes that were set to take place next week have been cancelled, following two days of walkouts last week.

The RMT has suspended industrial action while the union holds talks with the Rail Delivery Group, and has already resolved its dispute with Network Rail.

A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson said: “We welcome this positive step by the leadership of the RMT to call off their planned action on March 30 and April 1. This is great news for our customers and for our staff.

“We are now jointly focused on working constructively towards a settlement to this dispute, which will mean we can do what we have always wanted to do — give our people a pay rise and help secure the long-term future of the railway with rewarding careers for all those who work on it.”

Find out below which strikes have been called off and what happens next.

Have the train strikes been called off?

The RMT has now called off strikes that were due to take place on March 30 and April 1. These strikes were set to affect 18 rail companises across the UK.

RMT previously called off the Network Rail strikes that were set to take place on March 16 and 18. However, strikes at 14 train operating companies still went ahead, and national rail services were severely disrupted. There was also a tubestrike on March 15.

Train Strike | Wednesday 1st February 2023

Why have the strikes been called off?

An RMT statement said: “Following further talks between RMT and the Rail Delivery Group today, a proposal was tabled by the RDG which could lead to a resolution to resolve the current national rail dispute through a new offer.

“The NEC has therefore suspended strike action scheduled for March 30 and April 1.

“RMT will have further talks with the RDG with a view to securing a new offer on pay, job security and working conditions.

“The dispute remains on and the union will continue to make preparations for a reballot when the current mandate runs out in mid-May.”

Will there be more train strikes?

Train strikes have been taking place on and off since June 2022, and they could continue if union heads fail to make a deal with train bosses.

Strikes are also taking place across other industries, with junior doctors and teachers among those walking out. These strikes are set to continue unless the unions can make a deal with the Government.