RMT Calls Off First Great Western Strike

A strike affecting the UK's busy First Great Western (FGW) commuter service has been suspended after the Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) called off the action to continue negotiations.

Up to 500 FGW guards and drivers voted to strike for 48 hours on 20 January after the RMT announced its members were "angry" that the rail company's managers had been guarding and driving trains.

"The resolve of RMT members at First Great Western has led the company to listen and act on our concerns and we hope a resolution can be found," RMT general secretary Bob Crow says.

The RMT says its strike mandate is "still valid" with negotiations set to continue.

By staff writer