Good news and bad on railways as RMT recommends deal for signal staff while Aslef members opt to walk out in dispute with South West Trains

The summer of discontent on the railways receded today as the RMT union suspended strike action planned by thousands of signal workers for 21-22 July and 27-29 July following a new pay offer from Network Rail.

But there has been no progress in the dispute between train drivers’ union Aslef and South West Trains in an increasingly bitter row over the use of taxis for staff.

A referendum of RMT signal staff will now take place with a recommendation to accept Network Rail’s offer, the union announced today.

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Meanwhile, members of Aslef working for South West Trains will walk out for 24 hours on three separate occasions – 31 July, 11 August and 21 August.

Aslef has been in dispute with the company for months after the company placed restrictions on the use of taxis for drivers to get to and from work during early or late shifts.