Southern Railway strikes for tomorrow and Friday called OFF as fresh talks resume
RMT general secretary Mick Cash congratulated strikers on their 'bravery and strength of unity' as he announced suspended industrial action
STRIKING Southern Railway workers have been told to stand down to allow fresh talks in the bitter row over the role of conductors.
The five-day strike began on Monday, but members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) have called off the final two days as they seek resolution.
Following an offer from the RMT to suspend the action if Southern returned to talks without any preconditions, Acas announced that the strike will be suspended.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said in a message to members that he had contacted Southern with a way forward to resolve the dispute.
He called on all railway workers to return to work for shifts from 10pm tonight.
He said: "I would like to congratulate you all on your steadfast and unwavering support for your colleagues during this dispute and the bravery and strength of unity you have shown during this difficult time."
A spokesman for Southern Railway said tomorrow's service will be remain as the strike timetable - but the company will do its "very best" to add services in and extend the hours of operation wherever possible.
Mr Cash added: "Please be advised that I have now received communication from the conciliation service Acas informing me that the company will now enter into negotiations with our union officials without any preconditions.
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"The National Executive Committee has had time to consider this matter and have acknowledged that some progress is being made.
"As the company have now agreed to meet with our union officials without the caveat of any preconditions the NEC has therefore instructed me to inform you and your colleagues that the strike action has now been suspended with immediate effect until further notice.
"You and your colleagues are therefore instructed to return to work for all shifts commencing from 10pm tonight."
The timetable on Friday is expected to be back to normal.
A Southern spokesman said: "We are encouraged that the RMT has accepted our offer to resume talks at Acas and has agreed to call off its strike action.
"For our passengers' sake we truly hope these talks will be productive and bring this long-running dispute to an end."
A spokesman for the conciliation service said: "Southern and the RMT are returning to talks tomorrow under the auspices of Acas. Strike action has been suspended for Thursday and Friday."