MORE than 100 global transport union leaders wrote to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps today, calling on him to meet with British unions to resolve the ongoing rail disputes.

The letter by the International Workers Federation (IFT), a body representing over 20 million workers in 52 countries, said it was “shocked” by UK government plans to impose railway cuts and warned Mr Shapps that the country’s international reputation on industrial relations is at risk.

The government and Mr Shapps have been accused of acting behind the scenes to prevent a deal from being made between the striking workers and rail operators.