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Transport for Wales has said most of its services have been reinstated from Monday, November 7 after strike action by the RMT union was called off.

Strikes by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers had been planned for Saturday, November 5; Monday, November 7 and Wednesday, November 9.

The RMT made the announcement on Friday afternoon, a day before strikes were set to go ahead – too late for services to begin on Saturday – affecting thousands of rugby fans in Cardiff for Wales’ clash against New Zealand.

RMT is in a dispute with Network Rail, not TfW. However, as Network Rail controls the signals along the Rhymney line, TfW services would have been impacted by strike action.

A Transport for Wales spokesperson said: “We’re pleased to confirm that we’re able to reinstate rail services for Monday, November 7, after the cancellation of strike action.

“Most trains across the Wales and Borders network will run, but there may be some disruption to a small number of services.

“Customers should plan ahead and check before travelling using journey planners, our JourneyCheck website or our social media channels.”

Dispute “remains very much live”

RMT said it called off the industrial action following “intensive negotiations” with Network Rail and other train operating companies.

In a statement released on Friday RMT said: “Through a strong industrial campaign so far, RMT has secured unconditional talks on Network Rail and the promise of an offer from the train operating companies who up until this point, have made no offer of any kind to our members.”

However, RMT insisted the dispute “remains very much live” ahead of a re-ballot of members.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “The threat of strike action and our strongly supported industrial campaign has made the rail employers see sense.

“We have always wanted to secure a negotiated settlement and that is what we will continue to push for in this next phase of intensive talks.

“Our priority is our members, and we are working towards securing a deal on job security, a decent pay rise and good working conditions. 

“Our re-ballot remains live and if we have to take strike action during the next six months to secure a deal, we will.”