PLANNED strikes on a railway route used by thousands of York travellers have been suspended.

The industrial action had been set to affect CrossCountry Trains once again in a long running dispute over rostering and Sunday working, but it was suspended today (Thursday, January 11) after “significant progress” in talks.

CrossCountry services run from York to cities across the country including Birmingham and Bristol.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union took strike action before Christmas and were due to walk out again later this month.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said yesterday: “The union is able to confirm that a new rostering deal has been tabled by management following long and protracted negotiations.

“After careful consideration and noting this development, the union’s national executive committee has decided to suspend the planned industrial action.”

Mr Cash has previously claimed there was ‘chaos and confusion’ in the rail industry surrounding the Government’s position, which made it almost impossible to negotiate.

He said at the end of December he had written again to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling to express his concern at the ‘lack of clarity and contradictory messages’ but also to offer further talks not least on the vital issue of accessibility. He claimed members were standing up for the principles of a decent work-life balance and against the ‘abuse’ of rostering and Sunday working.

Further strikes were due to be held on January 20, 21 and 28, but union members will now work as normal on those days.