Rail union, RMT today welcomed the Labour government's intention to repeal Minimum Service Levels legislation.

The formal repeal of this draconian law will be part of the upcoming Employment Rights Bill.

In the meantime, Ministers are asking departments and employers not to use the legislation and to seek dialogue with trade unions on current disputes.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "We welcome this move as an opportunity to reset industrial relations in Britain and to move to a position of negotiating just settlements to disputes rather than having trade unions attacked and demonised. 

"This success of ensuring the repeal of Minimum Service legislation is a direct result of the concerted efforts by the trade union movement, and we will continue to champion the interests of railway staff, seafarers and offshore workers.

"We will also remain actively engaged with the government to address and swiftly resolve pay issues within our sectors."