TSSA cancels strike on 3 November to honour Poppy Day

TSSA today announced the cancellation of industrial action on the 3^rd of November out of respect for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Day.

Thousands of members of the rail union were due to take strike action on 3 November in Network Rail, Avanti West Coast and South Western Railway. TSSA members in Greater Anglia and Great Western Railway were due to take action short of a strike on the same day.

TSSA Interim General Secretary Frank Ward, said: “Once we became aware of Poppy Day and the impact our industrial action could have on Royal British Legion’s fundraising we took the decision to call off our action. However, we will still be taking industrial action on dates from 4 to 8 November, with action short of a strike taking place throughout November in some rail companies.

“Our members do not take industrial action lightly. This dispute could be resolved speedily if Mark Harper can avoid the mistakes of Grant Shapps and use his powers to mandate a fair pay rise, reasonable terms and conditions and no compulsory redundancies.

“The Tories have played politics with Britain’s railways, preventing DfT companies from negotiating with the unions and the result has been a deeply unhappy workforce and misery for commuters. It’s high time the Train Operators got round the table with us and negotiated a fair solution.”

Members involved in the action include staff working in ticket offices, stations, control rooms, and other support roles across Britain.

TSSA is seeking a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies, a pay rise which meets the cost-of-living crisis and no unagreed changes to terms and conditions.