Train Passengers Face Five Months of Disruption as RMT Announces Sunday Strikes on West Coast Main Line

Train passengers on the West Coast Main Line are facing up to five months of disruption, as the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union has confirmed a series of Sunday strikes set to begin on 12 January and run until 25 May. The strikes follow the rejection of Avanti West Coast’s latest pay offer, with over 80% of train managers voting against the proposal in a recent referendum.

Avanti West Coast, which operates high-speed services between London, the North West, and Scotland, has warned that the industrial action will result in “significant disruption” for customers. The company expressed disappointment over the vote outcome, claiming it had made a “very reasonable revised offer” to resolve the ongoing dispute. The dispute primarily concerns rest day working, particularly on Sundays, and a proposed “new technology payment” related to scanning electronic tickets.

The RMT, led by Mick Lynch, had suspended planned strikes just before Christmas after Avanti put forward a revised proposal. However, union leaders have now opted to resume and extend the industrial action, citing the company’s failure to deliver a fair deal. The core issue remains the company’s request for guards to work on rostered rest days, including Sundays, to cover staffing shortages and prevent timetable disruptions.

Avanti, which has been under fire for poor punctuality, was the worst-performing train operator between July and September, with only 41% of services arriving on time, compared to a national average of 67%. Despite this, the franchise narrowly avoided nationalisation after reporting some improvements. However, it continues to face scrutiny from the government, which ultimately controls its funding.

Industry observers suggest that the RMT may be leveraging its position to secure a more favorable deal from the Treasury, given Avanti’s heavy reliance on public funds. The union’s decision to escalate the dispute with five months of planned strikes highlights the ongoing instability in the UK’s rail sector, raising concerns for both businesses and commuters.

The strike action is expected to severely impact travellers on key routes, with long-distance services between major cities likely to be the hardest hit. As the dispute continues, passengers are urged to plan their journeys in advance and expect possible delays and cancellations.