Avanti West Coast workers have announced a strike set to disrupt services on New Year’s Eve, January 2, and Sundays between January 12 and May 25. The ongoing industrial action stems from a dispute over enhanced pay for rest day working, including voluntary overtime to cover staff shortages caused by vacancies, sickness, annual leave, and training.
The Rail, Maritime, and Transport Union (RMT), representing the train managers involved, confirmed that its members had rejected Avanti’s latest pay offer in a referendum. Up to 400 workers are reportedly participating in the strike, with 83% voting against the proposed deal.
An RMT spokesperson stated:
“Our members have resoundingly rejected Avanti’s latest offers in two referendums. Sustained strike action is now the only way to focus management’s minds on reaching a negotiated settlement with the union.”
Avanti Responds to Planned Rail Strikes
Avanti West Coast expressed disappointment over the rejected offer, warning of significant disruptions along the West Coast Main Line during the strike period. The operator suspended strikes scheduled for December 22, 23, and 29 after earlier agreements were brought forward for a union vote.
An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said:
“This strike action will cause significant disruption to our customers traveling on the West Coast Main Line over an extended period. We’re disappointed that our train managers, who are RMT members, have declined the revised offer made to resolve the rest day working dispute. We remain open to further negotiations with the RMT.”
Government Reaction to the Rail Strike
The Department for Transport condemned the strikes, calling for both Avanti West Coast and the RMT to return to negotiations in good faith. A spokesperson for the department commented:
“This is incredibly disappointing news for passengers who hoped to see an end to strike disruptions in 2024. We strongly encourage both the RMT and Avanti West Coast to work together to resolve this matter as quickly as possible.
“Our plans to reform the railways include moving towards a seven-day working week to eliminate the overreliance on rest day working, ensuring passengers receive the certainty and reliability they deserve.”
RMT Leader Criticizes Government Leadership
Mick Lynch, General Secretary of the RMT, has previously criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing him of perpetuating decades-long economic policies that have disadvantaged workers. Speaking at a rally on International Workers Day in May, Lynch said:
“I don’t trust him completely. I know that he’s going to do something, but empty gestures are no good. We’ve had 45 years of Thatcherism embedded in our system, and that’s what’s causing these problems.
I’ll make sure Starmer delivers on his commitments if he comes into power.”
The dispute highlights ongoing challenges in the rail industry, with unions pressing for fair pay and working conditions while operators and the government seek long-term reforms to improve service reliability.