IMPENDING strikes on Virgin Trains East Coast have been suspended for new talks over staffing changes.
The first walkout of RMT members had been called for Friday, with more stoppages due to follow on 26 and 29 August as well as overtime bans on 27 and 28 August. The union had feared there could be up to 200 job losses as a result of the changes.
VTEC said it had repeated its assurances, particularly its promise that there would be no compulsory redundancies.
Managing director David Horne said: “We’re pleased that the RMT has agreed to suspend industrial action and continue talks. We had put in place detailed contingency plans which would have seen our timetable run as normal, nevertheless this news will be welcomed by our customers and people.
“We’re making exciting changes on the east coast as part of the customer-centric revolution which has seen us embark on a £140m investment programme in our trains and stations.
“We want a service that focuses firmly on the customer and look forward to discussing these further with representatives of the RMT.”