Travel disruption as train managers launch five months of strikes
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Train managers have launched the first of a series of five months of strikes on busy rail routes, causing travel disruption. There will be picket lines outside stations including London Euston, Liverpool and Edinburgh today in the walkout in a dispute over rest day working.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) at Avanti West Coast will strike every Sunday until 25 May. A reduced timetable will be in place on the strike days, with fewer services running during limited operating hours. Trains which will run are expected to be busy. With planned engineering works taking place on most of these Sundays, timetables for each strike date may vary and take longer to be finalised.
Rail strikes: Which lines are affected?. The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), which represents restaurants, clubs, bars and casinos, has warned the industrial action could cost the sector £1bn. RMT union boss Mick Lynch announces retirement. Avanti West Coast staff to strike on New Year's Eve.
Labour urge ASLEF and LNER to meet ahead of fresh train strikes over working conditions. Chief executive Michael Kill told the Daily Mail: "If the government cannot bring unions and operators to the table for a meaningful resolution, the UK risks deeper economic losses. The time for inaction has passed - leadership is urgently needed.".
Avanti has told passengers who do travel to plan ahead, expect disruption and check the details of their last train home. Follow our channel and never miss an update. Kathryn O'Brien, executive director of customer experience at Avanti West Coast, said: "We're disappointed by the RMT calling strike action for an extended period when our customers may be working, visiting family and friends, or enjoying days out.
