Industrial action resulting in cancellations on CrossCountry rail services next weekend
Railway passengers hoping to travel on CrossCountry trains next weekend are being advised that the timetable will be limited as a result of planned industrial action.
On December 6 due to the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) action fewer services will operate and there will be no service on some parts of its network.
The operator said all routes are expected to be affected and services will also finish much earlier than usual. Customers are being advised to check before travelling as significant travel disruption is expected on that date.
Routes serve Birmingham and the East Midlands.
There are four planned walk outs on December 6, 13, 20 and 27. The first will see RMT union members in customer service roles declining to work.
Those trains which do run will be busier than usual, there will also be changes to some station stops, and planned engineering work will mean some journeys take longer than usual.
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Passengers are also advised to should plan return journeys carefully.
The union is blaming the operator for failing to resolve long-running issues over pay, staffing and previously agreed commitments.
CrossCountry’s Managing Director Shiona Rolfe said: “We are disappointed that the RMT has announced more industrial action that will disrupt customers over the busy Christmas period. We’ve worked hard to make a fair and reasonable offer that addresses the key points raised in this dispute, and we believe we’ve made meaningful progress in negotiations.
“Our priority is now minimising disruption for those travelling on Saturdays in December – but while we will try to run as many services as possible, there will inevitably be significant disruption.”
The strike coincides with many Christmas markets across the country, as well as other events and some football matches.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “CrossCountry has not dealt with the core issues in this dispute and has come back with a proposal that is worse than what was already on the table.
“Our members are still facing unresolved staffing shortages, unfair pay outcomes and broken commitments. Members have been left with no choice but to take strike action.
“The company must return with a serious offer that meets the commitments it has already made and treats our members with the fairness and respect they deserve.”
Passengers planning to travel with CrossCountry on Saturday December 6 should check their journey before travelling with National Rail Enquiries, or visit the CrossCountry website.
