Train passengers have been urged to prepare for a strike this Bank Holiday weekend.
As Londra Gazete went to press on Wednesday evening, talks between rail bosses and the RMT union had entered a third day, but Network Rail said it could not bank on unions calling off the planned 24-hour walkout.
It is due to begin from 5pm on Monday, causing travel chaos around the country if it goes ahead.
Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne said: “We are continuing to talk with the unions and we believe there is a settlement to be had. I sincerely hope we can reach one and my team will be available all week, and into the weekend if necessary, to find a deal to prevent strike action.
“From the very start of negotiations we made clear that we want to reward our staff for the incredible job they do, but that any pay rise needs to be linked to smarter, more effective ways of working.
“We can’t bank on the unions calling off the strike, so we are now concluding our contingency plans so passengers can make decisions about their journeys.
“If the strike goes ahead, it’s important that people check before travelling and are aware of the special measures put in place by train operators for people who have already booked tickets.”
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “RMT is continuing to push for a negotiated settlement through the Acas talks and the union is available right the way through the weekend to keep that process going, if necessary.
“In the meantime, our picketing arrangements are in place and the response coming back from our members is one of rock-solid support.
“We would remind the public that we have been forced into this dispute through a wholly-unwarranted attack on safety-critical jobs, pay and working conditions that would seriously undermine the safety of passengers on our railways into the future.
“RMT members are standing up for the principle of a properly staffed and resourced railway where safety comes first and where corners aren’t cut to hit budget targets.”
