Train firms have confirmed that planned strikes for next week have been suspended following the Queen’s death.
Northern Rail, Avanti and TransPennine Express have said that strike action by ASLEF and RMT will not go ahead out of respect for the Queen’s service to the country and her family.
Unions representing Royal Mail postal workers have also chosen to cancel immediate strike action and some shops have closed.
Planned strike action by postal workers on Friday 9 September and RMT rail worker walkouts on 15 and 17 September have been suspended.
A spokesperson from the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators, said it welcomed the decision by the RMT to call off next week’s strike action at a time of “national mourning”.
They added: “The whole railway family is united in sending our condolences to the Royal Family.”
Network Rail has confirmed that train services will run as normal next week now.
It will also look at any scheduled weekend engineering works that fall within the laying in state period and scale it back. Works might be postponed if they prevent people from travelling to London to pay their respects.
The RMT union intends to reschedule the strikes, but official dates have not yet been confirmed. It would need to give two weeks’ notice of any action, as would the Aslef union.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that his union joined the whole nation in paying its respects to the Queen.
He added: “We express our deepest condolences to her family, friends and the country.”
Train drivers’ union Aslef said: “In light of the sad news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, ASLEF is postponing its industrial action on 15 September. We express our deepest condolences to her family, friends and the country.”
Staff in the CWU, which represents postal workers, had been on strike on Thursday. But the union cancelled Friday’s planned walkout after the Queen’s death was announced.
CWU general secretary Dave Ward said: “Following the very sad news of the passing of the Queen, and out of respect for her service to the country and her family, the union has decided to call off tomorrow’s planned strike action.”
Customers are still advised to check train timetables before they travel.
