Deal could bring an end to train strike misery

A deal that could put an end to almost 18 months of train strikes is to be put to members of the RMT Union.

The RMT and rail operating companies have reached a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), setting out an agreed path of action to end the dispute.

The RMT has said the agreement includes pay increases backdated to 2022 and job security guarantees.

If members agree, the terms of the MOU industrial action will be paused through Christmas and into the spring as negotiations continue with the individual operating companies.

Businesses have said they have lost millions of pounds in revenue due to the strike action and in September the managing director of Dishoom, Brian Trollip, said he was fearful the group could lose 3,500 bookings over Christmas if there were further stoppages during the festive period.

UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: "Christmas will have come early for hospitality businesses if this breakthrough in negotiations puts an end to ongoing rail strikes and saves the incredibly valuable festive period for the sector.

"The uncertainty and looming threat of rail strikes at Christmas was already knocking consumer confidence, with four in 10 businesses finding their bookings behind where they were last year.

"A clear resolution would give the public the confidence they need to firm up their plans for the festive period and would, crucially, avoid hospitality businesses losing millions."

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch described the agreement as "a welcome development."

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