Avanti bosses should 'get back round the table' to resolve strike, says minister

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Avanti West Coast bosses should 'get back round the table' to avoid planned new year’s strikes, the Transport Secretary has said Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union announced a series of strikes on Avanti services over the coming months in a dispute over rest day working.

The first walk-outs are due to take place on New Year’s Eve and January 2. The union has described the move as 'the only way to focus management’s minds on reaching a negotiated settlement', while the rail company insisted its offer – rejected by the union – had been 'very reasonable'.

Asked about the impending industrial action on Friday, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said it was up to Avanti’s bosses to resume negotiations.

She told Sky News: "What I want to see happen is for the leadership of Avanti West Coast, which is currently a privately owned train operating company, to get back round the table with the RMT to see what can be done to avoid action happening." Strikes planned for the Christmas period have already been called off.