Train managers have launched the first of a series of five months of strikes on busy rail routes, causing travel disruption.
There will be picket lines outside stations including London Euston, Liverpool and Edinburgh today in the walkout in a dispute over rest day working.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) at Avanti West Coast will strike every Sunday until 25 May.
A reduced timetable will be in place on the strike days, with fewer services running during limited operating hours.
Trains which will run are expected to be busy. With planned engineering works taking place on most of these Sundays, timetables for each strike date may vary and take longer to be finalised.
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The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), which represents restaurants, clubs, bars and casinos, has warned the industrial action could cost the sector £1bn.
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Chief executive Michael Kill told the Daily Mail: “If the government cannot bring unions and operators to the table for a meaningful resolution, the UK risks deeper economic losses. The time for inaction has passed – leadership is urgently needed.”
Avanti has told passengers who do travel to plan ahead, expect disruption and check the details of their last train home.
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Kathryn O’Brien, executive director of customer experience at Avanti West Coast, said: “We’re disappointed by the RMT calling strike action for an extended period when our customers may be working, visiting family and friends, or enjoying days out.
“As a result, they will face significantly disrupted journeys during this time. I would like to thank them for their patience and understanding.
“On the strike days, we’ll have a reduced service, so customers with tickets for those days are strongly advised to travel on alternative dates or claim a full fee-free refund. We remain open to working with the RMT to resolve the dispute.”
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch, who announced his retirement on Thursday, said: “It is wrong that Avanti is paying replacement managers up to £500 per shift – around double what our members earn – while these managers fail to deliver the same service for passengers.
“This destructive approach is typical of train operating companies and stems from the failed policies of the previous Conservative government, which rewarded excessive payouts for managers rather than resolving disputes fairly.
“Avanti could make better use of its resources by reaching a fair settlement with our members, which would also be far more cost-effective.
“At the core of this issue is a severe staffing shortage, which has created an over-reliance on overtime in the first place.
“Avanti needs to table a revised offer that meets the aspirations of our members. We remain ready to negotiate and reach a fair deal.”
