Passengers traveling on Great Britain’s west coast mainline should prepare for significant disruptions to Avanti West Coast services every Sunday from January 12 through May 25, 2025. The disruptions come as train managers, represented by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), commence strikes over disputes regarding pay for working on rest days.
Strikes Scheduled Despite Ongoing Talks
Negotiations between Avanti and the RMT are reportedly ongoing; however, the strikes remain scheduled. RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch has also announced his planned retirement in the first week of May, which adds further attention to union activities.
Avanti Warns of Reduced Services
Avanti West Coast has issued a statement advising passengers to avoid Sunday travel if possible due to the combination of strike action and planned engineering works. The company will run a significantly reduced timetable, including:
• London Services: Four trains per hour from London Euston to Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and Preston.
• Limited Scotland Services: Reduced service between Glasgow and Carlisle, with replacement buses operating between Carlisle and Preston due to engineering work.
• No Service Areas: No trains will operate to north Wales, Blackpool, Edinburgh, Stoke-on-Trent, or Macclesfield on January 12 and 19.
Passengers holding tickets for affected Sundays can use them on alternative days or claim a full, fee-free refund.
Avanti Criticized for Performance
The strikes come amid ongoing criticism of Avanti’s performance. The company, a joint venture between FirstGroup and Trenitalia, was awarded a new long-term contract in 2023 despite its high rate of cancellations. Avanti canceled 7.8% of its services in the year leading up to November 2024, the second-worst rate among Britain’s train operators.
Avanti Expresses Disappointment Over Strikes
Kathryn O’Brien, Avanti’s Executive Director of Customer Experience, expressed frustration with the strike action:
“We’re disappointed by the RMT calling strike action for an extended period when our customers may be working, visiting family and friends, or enjoying days out. On strike days, we’ll have a reduced service, so customers are strongly advised to travel on alternative dates or claim a refund. We remain open to working with the RMT to resolve the dispute.”
RMT Defends Strike Action
The RMT union has criticized Avanti for failing to address workers’ concerns. A spokesperson for the union 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.”
