Train strikes cancelled, but still no trains through Salisbury this Saturday

Friday, 4 November 2022 00:00

The RMT Union has suspended its strike action planned for Saturday 5th, Monday 7th and Wednesday 9th of November.

Train companies and Network Rail are, however, warning that the decision is too late to reinstate services.

This means there will still be no service through Salisbury tomorrow (Saturday, 5th November), and passengers are being warned that this may continue into Monday. We are being advised to keep an eye on their websites for updates.

The closest stations providing train services to Salisbury are Southampton, Westbury and Basingstoke.

The strikes have been suspended after RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said the rail employers had seen sense.

He said: "We have always wanted to secure a negotiated settlement and that is what we will continue to push for in this next phase of intensive talks.

"Our priority is our members, and we are working towards securing a deal on job security, a decent pay rise and good working conditions."

He added that there had been "the promise of an offer" on pay from the rail operating companies.

GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood said, “It is positive that talks with the RMT trade union appear to be showing some progress, and we’re hopeful that today’s news brings us a step closer to finding a resolution to this long-running dispute.

“Unfortunately, with less than 12 hours' notice before the strike was due to start, it is too late to restore normal timetables and spare customers from disruption tomorrow and the early part of next week. Our advice remains to only travel by rail if necessary.”

Train companies are working hard to improve planned timetables over the weekend and into the early part of next week. They are working hard to reinstate services but the advice remains to only travel if absolutely necessary on Saturday and Monday.

More from Local News

Tributes paid to Stuart Withers after fatal accident in Salisbury

Tributes are being paid to Stuart Withers, who was knocked down and killed in an accident in Salisbury yesterday (22nd November) morning.
Salisbury's match against Maidstone United is ON

Salisbury's match against Maidstone United this afternoon is ON!
Shops tested on 'Challenge 25 policy' when selling knives

Almost 60% of shops visited by during a week of action focusing on knife crime passed the 'Challenge 25 policy' and didn't sell knives or bladed articles to under-age shoppers.
SEND families invited to online meeting to hear updates on SEND support

Wiltshire Council is inviting families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) to participate in an online session as part of the consultation on the funding for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Longleat closed today due to bad weather

Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire will be closed today (Saturday 23 November) due to the forecast of strong winds.
Salisbury MP visits local primary school

Salisbury's MP has visited Winterbourne Earls Primary School and answered children's questions on a range of subjects.
Man in his 70s dies after Exeter Street collision

A man in his 70s has sadly died following a road traffic collision in Salisbury City Centre this morning (22nd November).
Weather Warning: Salisbury set for Heavy Rain this weekend

The Met Office has put a yellow weather warning in place across the area thanks to Storm Bert.