Samaritans will be placing volunteers at Romford station throughout the Olympics

The ballot over rail strike action across Havering during the Olympics has been withdrawn.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) was balloting its Greater Anglia members over the possibility of industrial action following a dispute over Olympic pay. The ballot had been due to close last Thursday (July 19th).

But an RMT spokesman said the union had withdrawn the vote after Greater Anglia threatened it with anti-trade union legislation over an inconsistency in the ballot.

“We’re all disappointed because we want to get the best deal for Greater Anglia members, but we’re hamstrung by the anti-trade union laws,” he added.

But a Greater Anglia spokesman made no reference to legal action over the ballot, instead suggesting an agreement had been reached.

“The RMT has accepted the Olympic pay offer, alongside our other trade unions,” he said. “We all look forward to providing the best possible service for the Games.”

Greater Anglia operates railway services through Havering and into Essex, with the Liverpool Street to Shenfield line stopping at Romford, Gidea Park, Harold Wood, Emerson Park and Upminster.

Two other National Rail companies were balloted over strike action. First Great Western reached an agreement with the RMT earlier this month, and the South West Trains ballot results were announced on Thursday, supporting action short of a strike.