Planned strike disruptions on the (M4 & M48) Severn bridge called off

Drivers using the Severn bridges (M4 & M48) were being warned by unions that they could face severe disruption from next week as toll booth workers threaten to go on strike in a dispute over shift patterns. Strike action including a 24 hour walk out, an overtime ban and work-to-rule is being threatened on Friday 24th August, the start of the Bank Holiday weekend. This crossing is vital to businesses in both England and Wales, as part of the Trans European Network. If such a strike does disrupt trading, then this could have a damaging impact on the economy. Freight Transport Association (FTA) considers any possible congestion at the crossing as a result of the strike action to be "unacceptable", with the only acceptable solution to ease any potential hold-ups to be lifting the toll’s during the proposed industrial action. Ian Jarman, Owens Environmental & Legislation Manager stated: “We would see massive delays at the already busy Severn bridges, which would mount up into the drivers’ hours that they have to work to. If the dispute goes ahead and does cause the expected disruption, it could well mean us having to head up the M4 to recover vehicles because drivers have run out of time.” Thankfully, Unite regional officer, Jeff Woods has just announced via the ITV.com news site that the planned strike has been suspended, "Unite and the company have reached agreement on a range of issues, including those that initiated the vote in favour of industrial action. Further meetings are planned to develop these details."  I will keep an eye on this story and update the blog if for any reason strike action is called back on.