Multi-sector strikes called off after death of Queen

Planned strikes by rail and postal workers have been called off as a result of the Queen’s death.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union were due to walk out on 15 and 17 September in a long-running dispute over pay, jobs and conditions.

Its general secretary Mick Lynch said: “RMT joins the whole nation in paying its respects to Queen Elizabeth.”

The Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) also called off planned strikes.

A statement said: “TSSA is cancelling planned industrial action for September and will be respecting the period of public mourning.”

Members of the Communication Workers Union were due to continue a 48-hour walkout on Friday in a dispute over pay and conditions.

General secretary Dave Ward said: “Following the very sad news of the passing of the Queen and out of respect for her service to the country and her family, the union has decided to call off tomorrow’s planned strike action.”

The train drivers union Aslef has also suspended a planned strike.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “We welcome the unions’ decision to call off next week’s strikes and we join them and the rest of the railway family in sending our condolences to the royal family.”

Elsewhere, planned strike by Royal Mail workers on Friday and rail workers next week were called off shortly after Thursday evening’s announcement.

The Public and Commercial Services Union said it was postponing planned industrial action by staff in courts between 10 and 18 September.

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has also postponed its annual conference.

The four-day congress was due to be held in Brighton from Sunday, attended by hundreds of union delegates, but it will now be rescheduled for a later date.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was due to address the conference on Tuesday.

A TUC spokesperson said: “The general council sends our condolences to the King and the royal family on the death of the Queen, and recognises her many years of dedicated service to the country.

“As a mark of respect, we have decided to postpone congress 2022 until later this autumn.”

Planned strikes by journalists at media group Reach have also been postponed after a revised pay offer.

Members of the National Union of Journalists were due to walk out for three days next week, but on Friday afternoon it delayed the action and a current work-to-rule at the company following an approach from the publisher with a revised pay package.

The union will now consult members on whether journalists want to accept the proposed deal.

The ballot will open on 14 September and close on 23 September.

Reach publishes newspapers including The Mirror, Daily Express and Daily Record.

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