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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
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| Southern rail strikes off pending government-union talks | Southern rail strikes off pending government-union talks |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| Planned strikes by Southern rail guards and drivers have been suspended ahead of talks with the transport secretary. | Planned strikes by Southern rail guards and drivers have been suspended ahead of talks with the transport secretary. |
| Industrial action called for 1, 2, and 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 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 drivers who have rejected a pay offer is also suspended. The rail firm said it was "delighted on behalf of passengers". | |
| 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". | 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. | 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 | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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." | "We hope talks can start as soon as possible and, ideally, within the week." |
| A statement issued by GTR said: "We are delighted on behalf of our passengers. | |
| "We truly hope that a resolution can be found once and for all." |