Relief as rail strike is called off

A STRIKE by more than 600 train drivers which threatened to halt all trains across Greater Manchester today has been called off.

Only trains from Leeds, calling at Rochdale and Mills Hill, would have run if the strike had gone ahead.

Rail unions ASLEF and the RMT suspended the walkout from commuter operator Northern Rail late on Friday after “encouraging progress” in talks with bosses.

More than nine out of 10 ASLEF members and seven out of 10 RMT members voted for industrial action last month over “a severe breakdown in industrial relations” — including a row over rest day working.

Union officials were locked in talks over an astonishing 70 outstanding issues involving 500 ASLEF drivers and another 100 from the RMT.

Not all the disputes have been resolved, but a normal timetable was operating today. ASLEF president Alan Donnelly said: “I am hopeful that all the issues can be resolved but remind all concerned that the union retains a legal mandate for action in the future.”

Heidi Mottram, managing director of Northern Rail said: “I am delighted that we have been able to reach agreement. I would like to thank our union colleagues for their positive and constructive attitude.”