Avanti West Coast workers confirm series of new strikes after rejecting deal
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Avanti West Coast workers are set to launch a series of strikes following the rejection of a proposed deal aimed at settling a row over rest day working. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union has announced that its train manager members will walk out on New Year’s Eve, January 2, and on Sundays from January 12 through to May 25. An RMT spokesperson declared: "Our members have resoundingly rejected Avanti’s latest offers in two referendums and sustained strike action is now the only way to focus management’s minds on reaching a negotiated settlement with the union.".
The union has stated that up to 400 of its members are involved in the dispute, with an overwhelming 83% voting against the proposed agreement. Avanti is currently assessing how the planned industrial action will affect their services and intends to confirm their strategy as soon as possible.
Strikes that were scheduled for December 22, 23, and 29 were called off last week after a potential deal was presented for an RMT member referendum. A spokesperson for Avanti West Coast expressed their disappointment: "This strike action will cause significant disruption to our customers making journeys on the West Coast Main Line over an extended period.
"We’re disappointed our train managers who are RMT members have voted to decline the very reasonable, revised offer made to them to resolve the rest day working dispute and avoid inconveniencing our customers.". Avanti remains open to dialogue, stating, "We remain open to working with the RMT to resolve the dispute.".
