Rail strikes scheduled for next week called off after death of The Queen

Train strikes on September 15 and September 17 have been suspended following the death of the Queen aged 96, according to the according to a statement from the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) workers’ union has said.

RMT boss Mick Lynch sent his “deepest condolences” to the Queen’s family friends and the country as he announced that the walkouts would not go ahead on the scheduled dates.

The strikes were announced by General Secretary Mr Lynch last week, as the industrial dispute continued over pay.

Shortly after the Queen’s death was announced, the union postponed the strike as Britain enters a period of national mourning to honour her.

In a statement, Mr Lynch said: “RMT joins the whole nation in paying its respects to Queen Elizabeth.

“The planned railway strike action on September 15 and 17 is suspended.

“We express our deepest condolences to her family, friends and the country.”

The strikes were set to take place at fourteen rail firms, and involve 40,000 workers. London is expected to see an increased number of visitors’ following the Queen’s passing, as mourners visit the capital to pay their respects.

Following Mr Lynch’s statement, it is now unlikely to that any further strikes will disrupt specific events including the Queen’s funeral or the coronation of her son King Charles III.

Separately, train drivers at the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen had also balloted for strike action on September 15, but postponed the strikes earlier on Thursday.

Finn Brennan, ASLEF’s organiser on London Underground and London Tramlink, said: ‘Although the improved offer does not meet our members’ aspirations, ASLEF will always look for a solution that avoids disruption to passengers and our members losing money unnecessarily while trying to achieve our objectives. So our negotiating team has agreed to postpone the strike action planned for next week so we can meet management at ACAS to discuss and further improve their offer.’

A planned strike by Royal Mail workers on Friday has also