CrossCountry dispute ends

THE dispute between the RMT and CrossCountry has ended, after the latest agreement proposed by the company about collective bargaining was accepted by union representatives. The dispute had led to industrial action being called at the end of September and again later this month, but the September action was suspended at the eleventh hour after signs of progress in the negotiations. The October action, which would have mainly disrupted Sunday services, has now been called off as well. Another meeting between the two sides has been called for 31 October to discuss changes to the Disciplinary Procedure and Flexible Working agreement. In a message to members, RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: ‘I have informed Cross Country that we accept the proposals and that a dispute situation no longer exists between our two organisations.’

New Caledonian Sleepers reach Highlands

CALEDONIAN SLEEPER says the first new CAF-built sleepers have started to run north of the Scottish central belt, a few days earlier than predicted. Their introduction on the routes to Aberdeen, Fort William and Inverness was delayed following faults with the new rolling stock. However, after remedial work by CAF engineers their introduction had been set for 13 October, but Caledonian Sleeper said they had started running this week. The first northbound Highlander formed of the new sleeping cars left London Euston on the evening of 9 October, and the new rolling stock made its first journey from the Highlands to London on the following night.