AVANTI STRIKE SUSPENDED

6 RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: september/october 2026 :: RMTnews Further strike action by members working for Avanti West Coast at Manchester Piccadilly station over the unfair dismissal of a colleague has been suspended following an offer from management. Members had been taking industrial action against the sacking which was based on anonymous allegations. Avanti has now agreed to an independent external mediator to be brought in to investigate the issues raised during the dispute. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey congratulated the workforce for not accepting a toxic workplace culture which had encouraged anonymous and unsubstantiated complaints. AVANTI STRIKE SUSPENDED C leaners on Merseyrail employed by outsourcing firm Churchill Services took further 24-hour strike action against low pay. The union believes that Churchill can improve the current low pay offer as the company reported a post-tax profit of £15.3 million for the 2025 financial year, and distributed dividends of approximately £13.5 million.  Moreover, the company’s highest paid director, who is also a significant shareholder, received remuneration of £603,000. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said that the company clearly had the capacity to fund the relatively small additional cost required to maintain the current pay differential sought by members. “Churchill must recognise that our members are some of the poorest paid in our industry and need a pay offer that lifts them out of poverty,” he said.  RMT remains open to talks, but if Churchill refuses to engage, the union will escalate its industrial campaign. MERSEYRAIL CLEANERS TAKE ACTION Further strike action suspended following talks