SIGNALMEN in Swindon will not work any overtime for two weeks in a show of solidarity for a colleague who was dismissed, the RMT union has confirmed.

Members of the union will not work additional hours between Monday and Friday next week, or the same period the following week.

The action comes after the union met with Network Rail over the dismissal of Swindon signalman Tony Rayner, who they believe has been unfairly sacked.

The circumstances of his dismissal have not been made public.

But on Friday the union announced that work-to-rule action would still go ahead with members at the Swindon A and Thames Valley Signalling Centre urged to show their support for their former colleague.

Writing to members RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “Once again I thank you for your magnificent support for your colleague Tony Rayner who we believe has been unfairly sacked by Network Rail.

“Since the overwhelming ballot result, and following our calling industrial action, management requested a meeting to try to resolve the dispute. As an act of good faith we suspended the planned overtime ban to allow the meeting to take place and from the outset we repeated our demand for the immediate reinstatement of Brother Rayner.

“Regrettably I must advise you that our meeting with management has proved unsuccessful.

He added: “I urge RMT signalling members at Thames Valley and Swindon to support your sacked colleague who we believe has been unjustly dismissed by Network Rail on unproven grounds.

"We must not tolerate members being treated in this way so I urge you to stand shoulder to shoulder with your colleagues during the overtime ban.”

Network Rail feared the industrial action would cause “significant disruption” to passengers, but today announced they had plans in place to ensure the smooth-running of services on the line.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: “We have tried to engage with the RMT to prevent this industrial action from taking place and we remain open to talks should they wish to work with us.

“In addition to remaining open to talks with the RMT, we have also put into place contingency plans for both the affected weeks. These plans involve using other resources available within Network Rail to cover the overtime and minimise the impact on passengers.”