Strikes on Britain’s railways are reaching the beginning of the end. There is optimism that the industry’s longest-ever dispute could soon be resolved. Representatives of the train drivers’ union ASLEF have agreed to a face-to-face meeting with government officials. This is a radical shift in relations. Previously the unions have been aggrieved that only a negotiating party from the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) was prepared to meet with them. The change of government at the recent general election seems to have gained a vote of confidence with the union.