Network Rail · @networkrail
20th May 2015 from TwitLonger
Passengers urged to be prepared for national rail strike as talks continue
Talks between Network Rail and the trade unions aimed at resolving the ongoing rail dispute resumed for a third day today at conciliation service ACAS.
Network Rail will be making its negotiating team available all week and into the weekend if necessary in order to find a deal to prevent strike action.
If the strike does go ahead, train services across the country will be severely affected and Network Rail and the train operators are currently working together on contingency plans. These will be fine-tuned over the next few days with an outline of what level of service will be possible on the affected days available from Thursday afternoon.
Mark Carne, our chief executive, said: “We are continuing to talk with the unions and we believe there is a settlement to be had. I sincerely hope we can reach one and my team will be available all week, and into the weekend if necessary, to find a deal to prevent strike action.
“From the very start of negotiations we made clear that we want to reward our staff for the incredible job they do – but that any pay rise needs to be linked to smarter, more effective ways of working.
“We can't bank on the unions calling off the strike, so we are now concluding our contingency plans so passengers can make decisions about their journeys.
“If the strike goes ahead, it’s important that people check before travelling and are aware of the special measures put in place by train operators for people who have already booked tickets.”
Passengers should check ow.ly/Nb7Mm for more details.