The RMT union has announced a series of strikes throughout December
Passengers are expected to experience disruption over Christmas following an announcement by rail workers of several strikes throughout December. The Rail, Maritime and Transport RMT union confirmed on Friday (November 21) that its CrossCountry members will stage walkouts over pay and staffing disputes on several saturdays next month.
The union stated this follows a proposal from the rail company which was described as “worse than what was already on the table”. CrossCountry operates at more than 100 stations across the UK.
Headquartered in Birmingham, the network links seven of Britain’s 10 largest cities, including Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield, carrying more than 42 million passengers every weekday.
Staff on CrossCountry services are striking over long-standing disputes regarding pay, staffing and “broken commitments”, the RMT union stated, reports the Manchester Evening News.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Cross Country 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. RMT 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.”
Shiona Rolfe, managing director at CrossCountry, said: “We are disappointed for our customers that the RMT has announced further industrial action.
“We’ve worked hard to make a fair and reasonable offer that addresses the key points raised in this dispute, and we’ve made meaningful progress in negotiations.
“Our priority remains reaching an agreement that avoids disruption for passengers in the busy Christmas period, and we are ready to continue talks at any time.”
CrossCountry has not yet confirmed the impact on services, though cancellations and a reduced timetable are anticipated.
Additional disruption is expected over the festive period due to essential engineering works across Network Rail, with passengers urged to check their journeys in advance.
The CrossCountry strike dates are:
Industrial action will take place on Saturdays throughout December, excluding Christmas public holidays.
- Saturday, December 6.
- Saturday, December 13.
- Saturday, December 20.
- Saturday, December 27.
