Threatened train strike suspended

The union has not ruled out further strike action

Members of the RMT union at East Midlands Trains (EMT) have suspended plans to stage a 24-hour strike in a row over job cuts.

About 700 union members voted to walk out on Friday in protest at the rail company's plan to shed 162 jobs.

The union said the decision to put off strike action was to allow for further talks with the rail company.

Jobs under threat, along with management, include retail and on-train positions and some supervisory roles.

Union officials had feared more than 200 people could lose their jobs.

EMT, a subsidiary of Stagecoach, has blamed the cuts on the effects of the recession on rail travel.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "We have said all along that we would prefer to resolve this dispute through negotiation.

"And RMT is pleased that we will now have the opportunity to do just that through the intervention of the arbitration service Acas.

"Our members have shown the strength of feeling over the proposed job losses and we now look forward to constructive talks to resolve the issue."