Passengers travelling on the London to Glasgow route are set to face significant disruptions in the coming days due to planned strikes by train managers at Avanti West Coast.
Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) are staging industrial action on New Year’s Eve and 2 January, protesting for improved pay and conditions for rest day working, including voluntary overtime.
Reduced Timetable Announced
Avanti West Coast has warned of a “significantly reduced” timetable during the strike days, urging passengers to travel either before or after these dates where possible.
The affected services will run during limited operating hours, with many trains expected to be overcrowded.
On strike days:
31 December:
One train per hour will run between London Euston and Birmingham, Manchester, and Preston, with a limited service to Glasgow.
A bi-hourly service will operate between Liverpool and Crewe.
2 January:
One train per hour will run between London Euston and Wolverhampton (via Birmingham), Crewe, and Manchester.
Limited services will operate between Glasgow and Preston.
Trains will start after 8am and finish before 5pm on both days, leaving many areas, including north Wales, Blackpool, and Edinburgh, without Avanti services.
Further Travel Challenges
The strikes coincide with engineering works on other major rail routes, adding further complications for travellers. Ongoing projects include:
- Work at London Liverpool Street station until 3 January.
- Upgrades in the Cambridge area until 5 January.
- Works near Crewe until 2 January.
- Avanti West Coast’s Response
Kathryn O’Brien, Executive Director of Customer Experience at Avanti West Coast, expressed disappointment over the industrial action, stating: “We’re disappointed by the RMT’s decision to strike on 31 December and 2 January. These actions will severely disrupt our customers’ journeys, and we appreciate their patience during this challenging period.”
O’Brien strongly advised passengers holding tickets for the affected days to consider travelling on alternate dates or seeking a fee-free refund.
RMT Union’s Stance
The RMT union emphasised that its members have overwhelmingly rejected Avanti’s latest offers in two referendums.
An RMT spokesperson stated: “Sustained strike action is now the only way to push Avanti management towards a fair negotiated settlement.”
The union’s general secretary, Mick Lynch, added: “Avanti West Coast has caused this dispute by ignoring the concerns of train managers and presenting unsatisfactory proposals. The company must provide a revised offer to prevent further strikes well into 2025.”
Passengers are urged to check schedules, plan ahead, and prepare for travel disruptions across affected dates.
