Railway staff vote to strike

Rail passengers in Wolverhampton, Birmingham and Stafford face travel disruption in the New Year after Virgin Ticket staff voted in favour of strike action.

Workers at the stations were among 200 that voted in favour of industrial action in a row over cuts.

They are angry at plans they fear could see a 10 per cent cut in booking office jobs. Union leaders say the strike will be delayed until January so it does not affect the Christmas holidays.

But they are warning when they do come, the walkouts could mean mass disruption along the West Coast Main Line.

Earlier this month, train users in Coventry had to join a 30 minute queue to buy a ticket. Union officials say this will be the scene at all stations if the company continues to cut booking jobs.