The government has announced plans to change the law on workers agencies.
It would allow companies to supply skilled workers during industrial action to fill the gaps.
Under current union laws, labor companies are restricted from supplying temporary workers to cover strikers.
Ministers say this could have a “disproportionate impact”.
The legislation would repeal the legal restrictions described as “charges”.
Agency staff could then be supplied shortly.
“The repeal of these restrictions in the 1970s will give companies the freedom to quickly access fully qualified personnel, while allowing people to continue their lives without interruption to help keep the economy running.” say company secretary Kwasi Kwarteng.
Network Rail welcomed the move, but Labor and unions described it as a “recipe for disaster.”