LAST ditch pay talks are set to be held on Friday to avert strike action by engineering and maintenance staff at Derby train operator East Midlands Trains.
More than 80 workers, who are members of the Unite union, are threatening to walkout between 6am on Sunday and 6am on Saturday, October 4.
The dispute dates back to July when East Midlands Trains, which operates services between Derby and London, as well as other local routes, withdrew a 2.75% pay rise after engineers and maintenance staff decided to push ahead with strike action that month.
A continuous overtime ban has been place since the end of July.
But talks are set to take place on Friday to avert the latest round of strike action.
Kevin Hepworth, Unite's regional officer, said: "Our members have a right to have their legitimate grievances recognised and we hope that the company will come to the table ready to agree a fair pay deal for its loyal workforce.
"Unite will enter Friday's talks with the aim of settling this long running dispute in the best interests of our members.
"Many working people can relate to feeling undervalued at work. These members have collectively agreed to take a stand and their union fully supports them.
"We welcome Friday's talks with management and will work hard to secure a fair and equitable pay deal for our members."
East Midlands Trains has said that if talks do break down and the strike goes ahead it will try to run as normal service as possible - although some routes may be replaced with buses.
