Rail strike temporarily averted as picket ends

THE threat of an all-out rail strike may have been averted for the moment after 13 line maintenance workers agreed to disband an unofficial picket and return to work.

SIPTU branch official Marie Kearney said the men would return to work today to enable further talks to take place on compensation they are seeking for not being allowed to lay track on the new Cork-Midleton line.

Ms Kearney said compensation settlements for line maintenance workers had been reached in the past on similar rail projects.