The RMT has suspended a planned strike on Southern Railway on November 3 following a request from the British Legion, the union has announced.

The union had been set to start a three day walk out on Thursday November 3 as part of a campaign of industrial action in a bitter dispute over changes to the role of conductors.

However members of the union will instead only take part in industrial action on the Friday 4th and Saturday 5th.

It was announced today on the third day of strike action which has severely affected the Southern network.

The union have already announced plans to strike on:

  • Tuesday November 22 and Wednesday November 2
  • Tuesday December 6 to Thursday December 8

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said in a statement: "This decision has been made after close consideration and following a personal request from the British Legion.

"The union recognises the very special importance of that particular day and as result has agreed to suspend the action planned for 3rd November.

"The rest of the scheduled action goes ahead‎ as planned."

A Southern spokesman said: "We are pleased that the RMT has called off its strike on London Poppy Day, November 3, but disappointed that they are still planning to push ahead with the strike action planned for November 4 and 5 which will inconvenience thousands of commuters and families trying to enjoy Bonfire Night.

"We repeat our call for the RMT to see sense, end this futile action and put our generous offer to a referendum of its members."

A spokesman for the Royal British Legion said: "On November 3 the Royal British Legion will be hosting its annual London Poppy Day when 2,000 volunteers will hit the streets of London to raise £1 million in the most successful, single-day collection of its kind across the UK.

"We recently placed a request with the RMT to reconsider the date of proposed strike action as our volunteers are present at train and Tube stations across London, therefore strike action on that date would have a detrimental impact on our ability to fundraise for our much-needed work in support of service personnel, veterans and their families."