The World - News from July 28, 1989

Union leaders accepted an 8.8% pay increase from state-run British Rail and suspended a series of one-day strikes that have intermittently paralyzed rail service. The union had sought a 19% pay increase for its members. British Rail initially offered 7%. Jimmy Knapp, general secretary of the National Union of Railwaymen, said the accord will preserve the “high level of unity” shown during the labor dispute, over pay and collective bargaining. He added that talks will continue on retaining national negotiations on pay and working conditions. British Rail wants to replace national bargaining with local agreements.