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| Southern rail strikes off pending government-union talks | Southern rail strikes off pending government-union talks |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Planned strikes by Southern rail guards and drivers have been suspended ahead of talks with the transport secretary. | |
| Industrial action called for Tuesday 1, Wednesday 2, and Friday 4 August will not now go ahead. | Industrial action called for Tuesday 1, Wednesday 2, and Friday 4 August will not now go ahead. |
| Aslef and the RMT unions were contacted by Chris Grayling inviting them to a meeting, subject to the action over staffing and pay being halted. | |
| Aslef said an overtime ban by its drivers, who have rejected a pay offer, is also suspended. | |
| Both unions are embroiled in a long-running dispute with Southern's parent company Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) over plans to replace conductors with "on-board supervisors". | |
| Under the plan, extra responsibilities including the closing of train doors would switch to drivers. | |
| Live: More on this story and other news from Sussex | |
| The offer of government talks follows a meeting between Eastbourne Liberal Democrat MP Stephen Lloyd and the unions on Tuesday. | |
| Both unions had urged Mr Grayling to negotiate directly with them to end the dispute. | |
| In a statement on Wednesday, Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said: "Aslef is committed to resolving matters as soon as possible while safeguarding the interests of our members, and the safety of passengers, particularly those with disabilities. | |
| "We hope talks can start as soon as possible and, ideally, within the week." |