A major rail operator has announced a fresh set of strikes that will spark travel chaos for commuters over the festive season.
Avanti West Coast workers are set to strike on New Year’s Eve and January 2, the RMT union has announced.
It said staff will also undertake industrial action on the Sundays between January 12 and May 25.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union said its members working as train managers will strike on the proposed dates.
It comes after workers rejected a deal aimed at resolving a dispute over rest day working.
The union said up to 400 of its members are involved in the dispute, with 83 per cent voting against a suggested deal.
Avanti said it was looking at how the strikes will impact services and will confirm its plans as soon as possible.
An RMT spokesperson said: ‘Our members have resoundingly rejected Avanti’s latest offers in two referendums and sustained strike action is now the only way to focus management’s minds on reaching a negotiated settlement with the union.’
The announcement comes shortly after train passengers were warned Avanti West Coast workers could walk out over the dispute last week.
Avanti West Coast workers are set to strike on New Year’s Eve, January 2 as well as the Sundays between January 12 and May 25, the RMT union has announced (stock image)
Strikes planned for December 22, 23 and 29 were suspended last week after a suggested agreement was put to a referendum of RMT members (stock)
Strikes planned for December 22, 23 and 29 were suspended last week after a suggested agreement was put to a referendum of RMT members.
An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: ‘This strike action will cause significant disruption to our customers making journeys on the West Coast Main Line over an extended period.
‘We’re disappointed our Train Managers who are RMT members have voted to decline the very reasonable revised offer made to them to resolve the Rest Day Working dispute and avoid inconveniencing our customers.
‘We remain open to working with the RMT to resolve the dispute.’