Avanti West Coast Employees to Strike During Christmas Period

Train managers employed by Avanti West Coast have approved industrial action, planning a three-day strike during the Christmas season. The RMT union announced that these work stoppages are set for 22, 23, and 29 December, affecting Avanti services, following the rejection of the train operator’s proposed “rest day working arrangements”. While train managers typically adhere to a 41-hour work week, they may be requested to work on their scheduled days off because of staff shortages. The RMT union, however, has characterized the existing arrangements as “unacceptable”. An Avanti West Coast spokesperson stated that customers “will now face significant disruption because of these strikes” during what is “one of our busiest and most important times of the year”. Rail services are anticipated to be restricted on all three strike days. A revised timetable for 22 and 23 December is scheduled for release on Saturday 14 December. Approximately 300 train managers are projected to participate in the industrial action. These strikes follow weeks after RMT members employed by several other rail companies agreed to a pay increase of 4.75% for the previous financial year and a 4.5% rise for 2024-25. At that time, Louise Haigh, who was then the transport secretary, commented that it would “ensure a more reliable service by helping to protect passengers from national strikes, and crucially, it clears the way for vital reform and modernising working practices to ensure a better performing railway for everyone”. Mick Lynch, RMT general secretary, stated: “Train managers are being treated unfairly compared to senior managers, who receive significant payments for covering these roles.” He added: “Our members have had enough and this strike action demonstrates their determination to win a fair deal.” Avanti West Coast responded: “We are disappointed the 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.” The company also affirmed: “We will continue to work with the RMT to resolve the dispute.” Mr. Lynch indicated that the union remains prepared to achieve a settlement, stating: “We urge management to show they are serious about resolving this dispute.” Since mid-2022, industrial action by the RMT and Aslef unions, seeking improved pay and conditions for their members, has caused disruptions to rail travel. The former Conservative government had insisted on changes to working practices as a prerequisite. Following its general election victory, the Labour government successfully negotiated an agreement with the unions. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.