Strikes at Virgin East Coast called off

RAIL union RMT has called of the Virgin East Coast Train strikes that were planned for later this August.

According to the rail operator, the union pulled the plug on scheduled strikes on 19, 26 and 29 August after further discussions.

It said that it had made repeated assurances to the union, promising no compulsory redundancies.

RMT had said that 200 jobs were at risk and that working conditions under VETC were unacceptable.

David Horne, Virgin Trains’ managing director on the east coast route, 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.”