STRIKE action by Waterloo station cleaning staff was suspended yesterday to allow talks to take place.

Rail union RMT said that a further phase of walkouts by cleaners working for Interserve was also called off.

The decision came after Interserve bosses finally agreed to speak to staff following a severe breakdown in relations.

The ongoing dispute involves low pay and serious allegations of racism, harassment, victimisation, bullying and underpayment of wages.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “It is a tribute to the determination and solidarity of our Interserve members at Waterloo that their campaign of action has at last brought the company to the negotiating table.

“They are a credit to the trade union movement and an inspiration to all other cleaners fighting for workplace justice.”