Caledonian Sleeper may close over Christmas as strike talks break down

Staff claim trains having broken toilets, faulty smoke detectors and malfunctioning lights leads to delays and cancellations

The RMT is in the process of balloting its members over whether to stage a strike (Public Domain)

The Caledonian Sleeper service which links Scotland and London may be closed over Christmas after talks to avert industrial action by rail workers broke down.

The RMT union, which has accused train operator Serco of failing to fix more than 200 faults on the service, said that despite a number of meetings between its negotiators and management, progress has not been made on a number of key issues.

The union is in the process of balloting its members over whether to stage a strike on the overnight service, which links Inverness and Fort William with London.

Staff claim that trains are suffering from defects such as broken toilets, faulty smoke detectors and malfunctioning lights, leading to delays and cancellations.

The ballot closes on 15 December, but the union would have to wait for seven days until taking action – raising the prospect of a strike over Christmas. In a letter to members, RMT general secretary Mick Cash said Serco’s management had “brought monetary issues into a dispute about health, safety and welfare in an attempt to confuse the issues and divide you and weaken your resolve”.

Serco, which took over the franchise earlier this year, has said it is working to improve the service. By 2018, its ageing carriages are set to be replaced with 75 new coaches boasting some en suite berths and lie-flat seats.

Peter Strachan, managing director of the Caledonian Sleeper service, said: “We are extremely disappointed and frustrated that following three days of talks the RMT has not withdrawn their ballot for industrial action.

“All the issues that have been raised by the RMT have either been resolved or are in the process of being resolved through a robust and detailed repair and maintenance plan. We remain open to discussion to avoid any disruption to guests.”