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Industrial unrest in the rail network is set to spread to the flagship Gatwick Express line and other key companies in disputes over productivity and breaks during working periods. Employees at eight companies are already planning 24-hour strikes on Friday and Tuesday, but ballots on strikes are taking place at a dozen more operators.

The Friday and Tuesday stoppages, involving catering staff, conductors and ticket collectors, are set to affect Central Trains, North West Regional, South Wales and West, Merseyrail Electrics, North London Railways, Regional Railways North East, Cross-Country and Scotrail. Walkouts are also planned on 29 August and 12 September at South West Trains, Anglia Railway, Cardiff Railway, Gatwick Express, Great Eastern, London Tilbury and Southend, Inter-City West Coast, Midland Mainline and Island Lin , Thames, East Coast Main Line and Great Western.