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UK rail unions and train operators are preparing for a possible weekend of talks aimed at averting pre-Christmas strikes after both sides held “open and constructive discussions” with the government.
Representatives from the Rail Delivery Group, which speaks for train operating companies, and Network Rail, the owner of Great Britain’s rail infrastructure, took part in talks on Friday with the RMT, the biggest transport union, and the smaller TSSA.
Negotiators had a deadline of Monday evening to reach an agreement to avoid a 48-hour walkout due to start on December 13, a person involved said.
If no deal is reached by then, the rail industry’s rostering and scheduling processes will operate on the assumption that staff will strike on December 13 and 14, meaning trains will not run even if a settlement is reached later.
The talks followed a meeting between Rail Minister Hugh Merriman, RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch and senior Rail Delivery Group and Network Rail managers on Friday morning.
The rail strike is among a series of ongoing disputes across a range of sectors including the NHS, schools and universities – mostly over overpay offers lagging far behind consumer price inflation, which is at a 41-year high of 11.1 per cent annually.
Merriman then said there had been a “constructive and open discussion” about the challenges facing the railway.
“I was clear that the parties must work towards building a modern and economically sustainable railway that provides value for money to all passengers and taxpayers,” he said, adding, “Everyone should continue to engage in dialogue to address and resolve these long-standing issues. Agreed. This ends the dispute.”
The person involved said weekend meetings were scheduled in case it proved necessary to continue. RMT declined to comment, while RDG could not be reached for comment.
As well as the walkouts on 13 and 14 December, Network Rail’s RMT staff and 14 train operators are due to hold three more 48-hour strikes on 16 and 17 December, 3 and 4 January and 6 and 7 January.
The dispute with Network Rail concerns pay, working conditions and job security, while unions are at loggerheads with train operators over pay and working conditions.
Separately, the PCS civil service union said on Friday it would strike to coincide with the RMT’s action. It is said to be a series of rolling walkouts by traffic officials on National Highways beginning December 16.
The union said the strike over pay risks bringing the agency that manages England’s strategic road network “to a standstill”. PCS members are in charge of traffic signs that direct drivers away from crash sites and other hazards. National Highways did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Unite also announced plans for another 72-hour walkout by its members working for Menzies Aviation, a major ground handler for flights at London’s Heathrow Airport.
The union said the action, which will begin at 4 a.m. on December 16, will result in flight cancellations and delays for passengers. But Menzies said there were no cancellations due to a previous 72-hour strike by similar workers in November.
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