Strike action by Southern Rail conductors affecting west London stations has been called off as fresh talks take place to resolve a bitter dispute about the future of their role.
Rail, Maritime and Transport union members (RMT) walked out on Monday (August 8) in protest at plans by Southern operator Govia-Thameslink Railway's (GTR) to change its trains to 'driver-only operated' (DOO) services.
The controversial changes would see opening and closing train doors monitored by drivers using CCTV, instead of guards and conductors.
GTR have argued the proposals are safe and will not lead to job losses, but RMT said the move would reduce the "safety-critical" jobs of guards and conductors.
However, on Wednesday afternoon (August 10) after an offer from the RMT to suspend the action if Southern returned to talks without preconditions, conciliation service Acas, which has been mediating the talks, the ongoing five-day walkout stopped.
Two remaining days of strikes scrapped
A spokesman for Acas said: "Southern and the RMT are returning to talks tomorrow under the auspices of Acas. Strike action has been suspended for Thursday and Friday."
A report published last month highlighted the importance of checking train doors after a woman was dragged 20 metres with her hand trapped in a train in Hayes .
RMT's general secretary Mick Cash said: "The [RMT's] 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.
"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."
Reduced timetable remains in place
A Southern spokesperson 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.
"At present, the strike timetable is still in the industry train planning systems for Thursday and Friday. Regrettably, this means tomorrow's service will be based upon the present strike timetable, but we will do our very best to add services in and extend the hours of operation wherever possible.
"On Friday we plan to revert to the revised timetable operating before the strike.
"We will update our website as further information becomes available."
RMT members are planning to march on Parliament on Wednesday to stage a protest outside the Department for Transport (DfT) amid claims the government has put a "blockade" on talks to end the dispute.
See the Southern Railway website for more information.
