Rail dispute talks resume

Date: 13/4/2010

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union and Network Rail have this week resumed talks concerning plans to axe jobs and make significant changes to working hours.

Following the cancellation of last week's planned four-day strike after Network Rail secured a legal injunction against RMT's ballots, the two bodies restarted negotiation talks at the conciliation service Acas yesterday, Monday 12th April.

The talks focus on a dispute raised by maintenance workers concerning fears of plans to cut 1,500 maintenance jobs while also adjusting rosters to facilitate more evening and weekend work.

According to the Guardian newspaper, Network Rail claims its intention to scrap jobs will not compromise safety.

Separate talks concerning signal workers are expected to take place at a later date.

With the general election looming, all three main parties have made promises towards developing an improved high-speed rail connection across the country, providing better train links between the north and London.