Strike action threat at GWR is now resolved

The threat of a strike by workers on Great Western Railway – which could have caused chaos for travellers in the Westcountry – has ended after a dispute over the sacking of a colleague was resolved.

An industrial action ballot among members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) based at Paddington station in London was cancelled.

The union had argued that a worker was sacked for defending himself against a disruptive passenger. An appeal hearing was held and the RMT said an outcome was reached that was acceptable to its member and the union.

However, action by members of the RMT working on South Western Railway is continuing with a fresh strike over guards on trains due today. The action could affect services between Waterloo and the South West, where South Western Railway runs services to Exeter St David’s and Paignton.

Andy Clements, James Wotton and Jamie Batt outside the Honiton office of Greenslade Taylor Hunt during their 230-mile trip around all the offices