THE INDUSTRIAL action which was due to take place this weekend has been suspended, the region’s rail operator has confirmed.
The strikes, due to take place on Friday, July 31, and Saturday, August 1, would have led to a reduced service on the West Midlands Railway network during the two days.
Members of the TSSA were planning to undertake the action over rest day working payments.
But, following further talks with the trade union, a full service will operate on the normal timetable.
The routes which would have had a reduced service included Cross City Line which operates between Bromsgrove and Redditch and Lichfield Trent Valley, via Birmingham New Street,
Wolverhampton to Walsall, via Birmingham New Street and Rugeley to Trent Valley to Birmingham International, also via Birmingham New Street.
Several routes would have had no trains at all.
They included Nuneaton to Leamington Spa, Birmingham to Hereford and Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury.
Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director at WMR, said: “We are pleased the TSSA has suspended its strike action, which would have been disruptive for our customers. We now look forward to running our usual timetable on Friday and Saturday.”
Visit: wmr.uk/industrialaction for more on strike action and the latest updates.
Rugeley Trent Valley to Birmingham International via Birmingham New Street will also have two trains per hour.
Trains will not run on any other WMR route during these days.
These will include all routes via Birmingham Snow Hill, the Camp Hill Line, Nuneaton to Leamington Spa, Birmingham New Street to Hereford and Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury.
Continued disruption is expected on some services on the morning of Sunday, August 2, as trains will not necessarily be where they should to begin with.
Customers holding a ticket for the disrupted dates can use tickets on July 29 or 30 or August 2 and 3 instead.
Jonny Wiseman, WMR customer experience director, said: “It is disappointing TSSA has called further strike action which is set to disrupt travel for our customers.
“We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause and urge TSSA to continue talks so we can reach a resolution to this dispute.
“If the strike action does go ahead, we will be running a reduced timetable on both dates.
“Customers are advised to check before they travel by visting journey planners and our website.”
Visit: wmr.uk/industrialaction for further information.
