Talks to focus on impact of Easter railway strikes

DERBY train operator East Midlands Trains will be talking to Network Rail about the impact on services of possible strike action over Easter.

Yesterday, the Rail, Maritime and Transport union said Network Rail maintenance workers had voted in favour of strikes over plans to cut up to 1,500 maintenance jobs and change working practices.

A spokeswoman for East Midlands Trains, which runs services to and from Derby, said: "It's early days but we will be talking to Network Rail about the implications of a strike over Easter, which is an extremely busy time for us."

The RMT said it would remain available to talk to Network Rail to avert the strikes.

In a statement, Network Rail said: "Our contingency plans to manage any industrial action are at an advanced stage and we will do all we can to minimise any disruption.

"The way the railway is maintained and operated needs to change."