LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE
Dispute Resolved as Avanti West Coast Train Managers End Strikes
Settlement reached following extensive negotiations results in improved pay and working conditions for railway staff.
14 March 2025 · 03:54 UTC
The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union announced that 87% of its members voted in favor of a new agreement, which includes additional pay for weekend work and a restructured allocation of staffing for extra shifts.
The protracted industrial action began in January, leading to five months of strikes primarily on Sundays.
These walkouts disrupted a key long-distance route connecting London with major cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow.
During the negotiations, strikes were temporarily suspended to facilitate dialogue.
Eddie Dempsey, newly appointed general secretary of the RMT, highlighted the determination of union members in achieving substantial improvements in their working conditions.
The new agreement stipulates that train managers will receive time and a half for work performed on Sundays, along with a guarantee of a minimum seven-hour shift.
Avanti West Coast has faced ongoing challenges, including staffing issues and strained industrial relations, which have compounded a national pay dispute affecting the broader rail network.
Throughout the strike periods, Avanti operated a limited service on Sundays while advising passengers to expect potential disruptions and opt for travel on alternate days when possible.
An official statement from Avanti indicated that collaborative efforts led to a resolution beneficial for both the train managers and the company, expressing optimism for continued business growth.
The company emphasized that this agreement brings stability and confidence for employees and customers alike, coinciding with the anticipated increase in leisure travel during the forthcoming spring and summer months.