News / Transport
Rail strike set to go ahead
First Great Western train services will be severely disrupted from 6.30pm on Wednesday after the company failed to reach an agreement with RMT Union.
Capacity will be limited and trains will be very busy for 48 hours, said First Great Western.
Last week 80 per cent of RMT workers voted for strike action following concerns about jobs.
is needed now More than ever
New Hitachi Class 800 high-speed trains are set to be introduced in 2017, which will include systems allowing drivers to control doors via CCTV – therefore eliminating the need for train guards.
RMT have asked for assurances from First Great Western – already agreed with East Coast Main Line operators – that new trains will have guards and a buffet car.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said in a statement: “At the present time, the company still feel that the configuration of the new Super Express Trains is out of their control and that it would be in their best interests to have Driver Only Operation and to remove the buffet cars.
“That position is totally unacceptable and the union is clear that the design of the new fleet of trains is a matter for First Group and that there is still time to modify the rolling stock. Exactly as has happened on East Coast who will be operating the same units.”
Updates providing information about how trains will be affected can be found on the First Great Western website.