22 January 2012 Last updated at 19:22 ET

Strike by rail signal workers in Glasgow suspended

Network Rail said services would run as normal after strike action was suspended

A strike by rail signal workers in the west of Scotland has been cancelled.

More than 30 staff based at a control centre in Glasgow had been due to walk out in a row over career progression.

The Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) Union said the action had been suspended after talks with conciliation service Acas.

Network Rail had insisted the majority of services on routes across Scotland would be unaffected by the strike, which had been due to begin at 05:59.

The ongoing dispute is over a practice known as "slotting" where staff are promoted automatically based on seniority.

Two 24-hour walkouts had been planned for 23 and 27 January. It followed a 72-hour walkout over Christmas by union members based at the centre.

The RMT said the strikes had been put off to allow "meaningful dialogue" to take place.

Normal service

A spokesman said: "Having reviewed the file we note correspondence from the regional organiser regarding his discussions with Acas.

"Having also conversed with the regional organiser and the west of Scotland signalling centre representatives regarding this matter, we suspend the current planned strike action to allow meaningful dialogue to take place which may resolve the current impasse."

Network Rail said it would use an existing collective bargaining agreement with the union to try to resolve the dispute.

A spokesman added: "Strikes planned for January 23 and 27 have been suspended and a normal service will be provided for passengers using Glasgow Central station."

The RMT claims Network Rail managers have ripped up long-standing arrangements which allowed staff to be "slotted" into a position when it became vacant.

Network Rail has said it does not recognise "slotting" as a way of filling posts and believes in appointing on merit rather than length of service.

It insists the practice has not been commonplace since British Rail was privatised in 1994.