Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Is my train running today? First Great Western strike and improvement works threaten journeys over Bank holiday weekend

Passengers will have to make multiple changes, use replacement buses and experience longer journey times

Samuel Osborne
Saturday 29 August 2015 12:46 BST
Comments
The First Great Western strike is likely to affect routes in south-west England and Wales
The First Great Western strike is likely to affect routes in south-west England and Wales

A strike by First Great Western staff could lead to disruption and cancellation of train services over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union will strike as a result of a dispute over the introduction of high-speed trains.

The strike is likely to affect routes in south-west England and Wales.

Improvement work is also taking place on the West Coast Main Line, which will affect services from a number of key locations including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow.

Many passengers will have to make multiple changes, use replacement buses and experience longer journey times.

First Great Western is warning trains may be busy and there will be a limited food and drink service on board.

The last trains of the day may also leave earlier than usual.

While First Great Western says it has told the union there will be no job losses, the RMT said “basic assurances” had not been given.

Concerns remain that new high-speed trains will threaten jobs and on-board catering.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “Despite strenuous and continuing efforts by our negotiators we have not been able to secure the kind of progress we hoped for in the key areas of jobs, services and safety for us to reach an agreement.”

“As a result we have no option but to push ahead with the action planned for this weekend.”

For full details of cancellations to services visit the First Great Western website.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in