Avanti West Coast train passengers face Christmas disruption as train managers vote to strike

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union will walk out on December 22, 23 and 29

Train managers at Avanti West Coast are set to strike over rest day working issues, with members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union confirming walkouts on December 22, 23, and 29.

The company's proposals were overwhelmingly rejected by union members in a recent vote. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "Avanti West Coast’s proposals have been decisively rejected by our train managers, sending a clear message to management that the current arrangements are unacceptable.

"Train managers are being treated unfairly compared to senior managers, who receive significant payments for covering these roles."

Mr Lynch added: "Our members have had enough, and this strike action demonstrates their determination to win a fair deal.

"It’s time for Avanti to put forward serious proposals that reflect the vital contribution of our train managers to the railway."

The RMT general secretary remains open to dialogue, saying: "We remain ready to reach a negotiated settlement and we urge management to show they are serious about resolving this dispute."

Services are expected to be greatly reduced on the strike days, with Avanti planning to introduce a revised timetable from December 14. Passengers holding tickets for the affected dates will have flexible travel options before and after the strikes.

An Avanti West Coast spokesperson expressed their disappointment, stating: "At one of our busiest and most important times of the year when our customers should be making journeys to visit family or friends during the holiday period, they will now face significant disruption because of these strikes.

"We are disappointed RMT have voted to decline the very reasonable offer made to them to resolve the Rest Day Working dispute and prevent inconvenience to those many people who will be travelling on the West Coast Main Line over this time. We will continue to work with the RMT to resolve the dispute."