Merseyrail staff have called off planned strikes after agreeing a new pay deal.
Workers were set to walk out for 48 hours from midnight on Saturday (July 18) after RMT members balloted to take industrial action over the dispute.
The strikes threatened to cause widespread disruption on the region’s rail network that would have also heavily impacted The Open Championship.
Transport bosses hatched a fallback plan to only cater for those travelling to the Royal Birkdale course on the Southport line from Liverpool Central.
But the strike action has been averted after workers accepted a pay increase offer worth 7.25% over the next two years, backdated to January 2026
Staff previously rejected Merseyrail’s initial offer of a 4% rise for 2026 alone.
Merseyrail’s managing director Neil Grabham said: “We are pleased that the RMT has agreed to postpone the planned industrial action while its members consider and vote on the improved offer that has been put forward.
“This is positive news for our customers, our employees and the Liverpool City Region.
“We are grateful to our customers for their patience and understanding while these discussions have been taking place, and we are pleased that they can now continue to travel with confidence this weekend.”