Jobs row rail strike called off

Negotiations will resume over proposed job cuts

Members of the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) workers union at East Midlands Trains (EMT) have suspended a 24-hour strike in a row over job cuts.

About 700 members had voted to strike on Friday over the firm's plans to cut 162 jobs due to the recession.

The strike would have affected the Staffordshire to Derby line and routes to London and around the East Midlands.

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

Recession impact

The union said management, retail, on-board train positions and supervisory roles were under threat and RMT officials originally feared more than 200 people could lose their jobs.

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

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said he was "pleased" negotiations could now resume.

He added: "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."