Avanti West Coast Staff to Strike on New Year’s Eve: Everything You Need to Know
Workers on Avanti West Coast are set to stage a series of strikes, including on New Year’s Eve, after rejecting a deal aimed at resolving a dispute over rest day working. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) announced that its members working as train managers will strike on New Year’s Eve, January 2, and Sundays between January 12 and May 25. Up to 400 RMT members are expected to be involved in the dispute, having voted by 83 per cent against a proposed deal.
Impact on Travelers
The strikes, planned by Avanti West Coast staff, may cause significant disruptions to services on the West Coast Main Line for an extended period. Passengers traveling between Greater Manchester and London were warned of potential cancellations and delays over the festive season due to the ongoing dispute. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch highlighted that previous offers regarding rest day working were decisively rejected by members, emphasizing the unfair treatment of train managers compared to senior managers in the company.
Response from Avanti West Coast
An Avanti West Coast spokesperson expressed disappointment over the strike action, stating that it will inconvenience customers making journeys on the affected route. The company had made a reasonable, revised offer to resolve the rest day working dispute, which was declined by RMT members. Despite the setback, Avanti remains open to collaborating with the union to find a resolution and minimize disruptions for travelers.
Continued Negotiations
Following the rejection of the proposed deal and the announcement of strikes, both Avanti West Coast and the RMT are actively engaged in discussions to address the ongoing dispute. The RMT spokesperson emphasized that sustained strike action is necessary to compel management to prioritize reaching a negotiated settlement with the union, reflecting the concerns and demands of its members.
Future Updates
Avanti West Coast will assess the impact of the strikes on its services and provide further details on its operational plans in due course. Passengers are advised to stay informed about any potential changes to their travel arrangements and to make alternative arrangements if necessary to mitigate any inconvenience caused by the strikes.
In conclusion, the impending strikes by Avanti West Coast staff underscore the ongoing challenges faced by workers in the railway industry and the importance of fair working conditions for all employees. As negotiations continue between the company and the union, the focus remains on finding a mutually beneficial resolution to the dispute for the benefit of both employees and passengers alike.