The RMT says it will be taking ‘co-ordinated strike action’ next month after talks with Network Rail broke down. The walkouts have been set for 3, 5 and 7 November, and are likely to cause major disruption because signallers will be involved. The union has claimed Network Rail ‘reneged’ on promises of an improved pay offer. It has also accused NR of seeking to ‘impose job cuts, more unsocial hours and detrimental changes to rosters’. Network Rail has denied the claims, saying that it made an improved offer by extending the guarantee of no compulsory redundancies by a further year to January 2025. It added that the union’s leadership ‘seem intent on more damaging strikes rather than giving their members a vote on our offer’. In separate disputes on London Underground and Overground, RMT members will also be striking on 3 November, while a ballot is underway asking RMT members nationwide if they support another six months of industrial action. 

Bond Street Elizabeth Line set to open next week

Transport for London said the final week of trial operation is underway at Bond Street station on the Elizabeth Line, which had not opened with the rest of the central section in May because construction had been delayed. The station has gained two new entrances at Davies Street and Hanover Square. It will also provide interchanges with the Central and Jubilee Lines.