'Fatigued' Avanti catering staff to stage 48-hour walkout on trains

RMT said workers have been 'unable to plan their lives' due to unpredictable hours and mandatory overtime.

‘Fatigued’ Avanti West Coast catering staff to stage 48-hour walkout on train services on Friday and Saturday — Avanti: RMT members will stage a walkout on Friday and Saturday. iStock

PA Media

25th Jul 2024

Posted in

Railway catering workers are to stage a 48-hour strike in a dispute over rosters.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) on Avanti West Coast will walk out on Friday and Saturday.

The union said imposed rosters were causing widespread stress and fatigue among staff.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Avanti West Coast’s chaotic management has left staff unable to plan their lives, creating unacceptable stress and fatigue.

“Our members, who deliver crucial on-board catering services, have endured continuous job reductions, unpredictable work hours, and mandatory overtime.

“Avanti’s disorganised management has made it impossible for staff to plan their lives, resulting in an intolerable amount of stress and exhaustion.

“That’s why they are taking action Friday and Saturday, to demand Avanti bosses give them a fair work-life balance and treat them with decency.”

An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: “We want our colleagues and the business to be able to plan with certainty.

“We would welcome further discussion with RMT to resolve this ongoing dispute which will again affect our customers.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience this industrial action will cause to them and are working on contingency plans for onboard catering services.”