Two days of strike action planned by TSSA trade union members against West Midlands Railway for Friday and Saturday were suspended, preventing disruption to train services across multiple routes in the West Midlands region.
Strike Suspension After Payment Dispute Talks
The planned industrial action stemmed from a dispute over rest day working payments. Following further negotiations between West Midlands Railway and the TSSA union, the strike was called off and normal service will operate during the originally affected days.
Avoided Service Reductions Across West Midlands Routes
Had the strike proceeded, reduced timetables and full cancellations were expected across many routes including the Cross City line from Lichfield Trent Valley to Redditch and Bromsgrove,
Wolverhampton to Walsall, and Rugeley Trent Valley to Birmingham International.
The disruption would also have impacted all services via Birmingham Snow Hill, the Camp Hill line, Nuneaton to Leamington Spa, and from Birmingham New Street to Hereford and Shrewsbury.
Statements and Previous Strike Context
Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director at West Midlands Railway, described the suspension as welcome news due to the potential impact on passengers. This weekend’s full normal timetable contrasts with the reduced services run during prior strike action by TSSA members on 11 and 12 July.
