Two-day strike to hit rail services
A 48-HOUR strike will disrupt East Coast trains later this month after the RMT union unleashed a torrent of criticism at Virgin Trains over the “chaotic shambles” caused by scrapping guards on trains.
Passengers have been reassured by Virgin that a “near-normal” timetable will be running to minimise disruptions during the strike on their East Coast Main Line trains.
The strikes will happen over two days after Virgin Trains implemented changes to guards on trains despite warnings over safety from the union.
Here’s all you need to know about the strikes:
When will staff be on strike?
The strikes will happen on both Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29, from 12.01am on Friday until 11.59pm on Saturday.
All Virgin Train East Coast staff who are RMT members – except those at engineering grades – have been urged to go on strike for the two days.
Which trains are affected?
The 48-hour strike will affect trains on the East Coast Main Line run by Virgin Trains.
There has also been a strike announced on Arriva trains, for 24 hours, on the Friday (see the final question for more information).
How much disruption will there be?
The Virgin Train East Coast staff have been told to not work for the 48-hour period, but Virgin say their
Why are Virgin staff striking?
The strike action is primarily due to the union’s concern about the changes introduced by Virgin Trains to the role of train guards.
RMT asked for an explicit assurance on the company’s position about retaining the critical safety roles and training currently held by train guards.
The train operator argues that, after the changes there will be no impact on safety, but RMT warned that the new service – with “train managers” replacing guards – is not fit for purpose, with the prospect of driver-only trains looming.
Consultation over widespread on-board changes has been going on for more than a year, but despite the union’s insistence the proposed changes will not work, the company implemented the changes from March 31.
A statement from RMT confirming the industrial action said: “The new service is not fit for purpose and has turned into a chaotic shambles, with untrained staff forced into roles and the whole train crew left to work it out for themselves.”
What changes have Virgin Trains made?
The changes to what staff will be on trains are part of what Virgin Trains describe as a “customer-centric revolution”, but the union says it poses a safety risk and opens the door to trains with just drivers on board.
Virgin Trains’ David Horne said: “The changes we have made are part of the customer-centric revolu-
Are there other problems?
RMT are claiming staff have been ‘publicly shamed’ by Virgin Trains on Twitter, by blaming staff for trains not running as planned.
They say that the official Twitter account has cited ‘staff sickness’ as a reason, when this has been incorrect. The union also says it fears the damage to other areas of the company where its members work.
Will the strikes definitely happen?
The strikes are set to go ahead as it stands, but both sides appear to be willing to have further talks.
RMT’s Mick Cash said: “The action is on and the union remains available for meaningful and genuine talks.”
Virgin Trains’ David Horne added: “With our guarantees that there will be no compulsory redundancies, no impact on safety and a near normal timetable in place during the walkouts, this pointless strike will cost RMT members pay for no reason, and we urge the union to rejoin us for further discussions.”
What is happening with the Arriva strike?
Rail union RMT has confirmed a further 24-hour strike on Arriva Rail North on Friday, April 28 amid failed talks last week over the guards and drivers safety dispute.
RMT say that the operator has ‘dug their heels in’ on a the guarantee of a second safety-critical member of staff on their trains.
They add that the company have also reiterated that they fully intend to introduce a minimum of 50% driver-controlled operation across the franchise upon the introduction of the new rolling stock – a move that has been branded ‘wholly unacceptable’ to the union.
RMT’s executive has taken the decision to instruct members not to work between the hours of 00:01 and 23:59 on Friday April 28.