RMT confirms strike action at Avanti West Coast as talks stall

Rail services on Avanti West Coast will face disruption this Sunday as RMT members prepare for strike action following the company’s failure to table fresh proposals during recent negotiations. The ongoing dispute centres on pay, working conditions, and staffing shortages.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch criticised Avanti’s approach, highlighting the high costs of using replacement managers during strike days. He 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.”

Lynch further argued that resolving the dispute through negotiation would be both fairer and more cost-effective: “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.”

Calling on Avanti to present a revised offer, Lynch said: “Avanti needs to table a revised offer that meets the aspirations of our members. We remain ready to negotiate and reach a fair deal.”

The strike action is expected to cause significant disruption to passengers, with reduced services likely across key routes. The RMT has urged Avanti to return to the table with a meaningful proposal to end the dispute.