“Encouraging” start as Trevelyan meets unions

New Secretary of State for Transport Anne-Marie Trevelyan has met individually with the three main unions involved in the dispute - something her predecessor Grant Shapps refused to do. Instead, he sent his Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris (now moved to the Northern Ireland office).

The meetings, understood to have lasted around 30 minutes, are said to have been described as “friendly”, although ”nothing substantive” was discussed.

“We can only hope the new Secretary of State for Transport can see sense where her predecessor could not,” said TSSA General Secretary Manuel Cortes.

“She has the power to mandate a fair pay rise, reasonable terms and conditions, and end this dispute.”

RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said it was “encouraging” that Trevelyan had met the union, adding: “We welcome this more positive approach from the Government to engage with us as a first step to finding a suitable settlement. However, as no new offer has been tabled, our members have no choice but to continue this strike action.

“We will continue to negotiate in good faith, but the employers and government need to understand our industrial campaign will continue for as long as it takes.

“The Summer of Solidarity we have seen will continue into the autumn and winter if employers and the Government continue to refuse reasonable demands.

“We want a settlement to these disputes where our members and their families can get a square deal. And we will not rest until we get a satisfactory outcome.”