Avanti West Coast Train Managers to Resume New Year’s Eve Strike

Industrial action involving Avanti West Coast train managers has been reinstated following the rejection of a proposal intended to settle a disagreement concerning working on rest days. Union members belonging to the RMT are now scheduled to strike on New Year’s Eve and January 2, in addition to every Sunday between January 12 and May 25. The union stated that “sustained strike action” had become “the only way to focus management’s minds on reaching a negotiated settlement.” Avanti West Coast, the rail operator serving routes between London and Scotland, as well as through the West Midlands and north west of England, indicated that the industrial action would lead to “significant disruption” for its passengers. In the preceding week, the RMT had cancelled planned strikes for December 22, 23, and 29 to evaluate Avanti’s updated proposal. However, the union announced late on Tuesday that 83% of the 400 members participating in the disagreement had voted against the agreement. According to the union, the amended offer featured increased payments for working on rest days and a more structured assignment of shifts during those days. Train managers typically maintain a 41-hour work week, but staff shortages can lead to requests for them to work on their scheduled days off. The RMT has contended that the existing arrangements are “unacceptable.” Avanti, in its reaction to the announcement of the renewed strikes, expressed that it was “disappointed” by the rejection of what it considered a “very reasonable” revised offer. A statement from the company declared, “This strike action will cause significant disruption to our customers making journeys on the West Coast Main Line over an extended period.” It added, “We remain open to working with the RMT to resolve the dispute.” The company indicated that it was assessing the potential impact of the strikes on its services and would announce its plans promptly. Since mid-2022, industrial action has affected rail travel, with the RMT and the train drivers’ union Aslef advocating for improved pay and conditions for their members. The former Conservative government had insisted on changes to working practices in exchange, but the Labour party reached an agreement with the unions following its victory in the general election. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Further information on its approach to external linking is available.