Avanti West Coast workers to stage series of strikes including on New Year's Eve

Workers on Avanti West Coast are to stage a series of strikes, including on New Year's Eve, it has been an announced.

It comes after staff rejected a deal aimed at resolving a dispute over rest day working. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) said its members working as train managers will strike on New Year’s Eve, January 2 and Sundays between January 12 and May 25.

The RMT said up to 400 of its members are involved in the dispute. They voted by 83 per cent against a suggested deal.

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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.”

Avanti said it was looking at how the strikes will impact services and will confirm its plans as soon as possible.

Strikes planned for December 22, 23 and 29 were suspended last week after a suggested agreement was put to a referendum of RMT members.

It had been warned that passengers heading between Greater Manchester and London would face disruption over the festive period as a result.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch previously said last week that Avanti's previous offer regarding rest day working had been 'decisively rejected' by members, adding: "Train managers are being treated unfairly compared to senior managers, who receive significant payments for covering these roles."

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