Train services across Dumfries and Galloway are expected to return to normal today after being disrupted by strike action – that didn’t take place.
Members of the RMT union were due to walk out on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday as part of their ongoing dispute over pay and conditions with Network Rail and a number of train operators.
But that was called off on Thursday after fresh talks between the two sides were scheduled.
However, although the strikes didn’t take place, their cancellation came too late to avoid disruption to the timetable.
Following Thursday’s announcement, Network Rail’s chief negotiator Tim Shoveller welcomed the news that the RMT had called off planned walkouts but warned that the late notice meant services would still be disrupted.
He said: “We look forward to getting back round the table with all our trades unions early next week to see if the progress made this week can be built on and a resolution found.”
Although not involved in the dispute, ScotRail was still impacted as Network Rail is responsible for infrastructure.
No services ran in the region on Saturday, with a Dumfries to Carlisle service being restored yesterday ahead of the expected return of the full timetable today.
Avanti West Coast and TransPennine Express – both of which are involved in the dispute – also saw their services disrupted on the planned strike days.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “The threat of strike action and our strongly supported industrial campaign has made the rail employers see sense.
“We have always wanted to secure a negotiated settlement and that is what we will continue to push for in this next phase of intensive talks.
“Our priority is our members and we are working towards securing a deal on job security, a decent pay rise and good working conditions.
“Our re-ballot remains live and if we have to take strike action during the next six months to secure a deal, we will.”
Meanwhile, a separate dispute between the RMT and ScotRail is set to affect rail passengers in the run up to Christmas.
The union is taking further action after rejecting both an initial five per cent pay increase and a new deal that included an additional £500.
As a result, it is considering striking on every Friday and Saturday before December 25 – including Christmas Eve.
RMT’s regional organiser Mick Hogg said: “If no solution is found soon it’ll be absolute carnage, absolute carnage in Scotland’s railway. We do not want the havoc but if a resolution is not found soon there will be absolute havoc.”
