Rail and catering staff strike action set to disrupt Hogmanay trains

A rail strike from railway workers and catering staff is to go ahead on New Year’s Eve, union leaders have confirmed.

The strike, made up of two separate disputes, will involve members of the RMT union on CrossCountry trains and catering staff based at Edinburgh Waverley.

Both sets of staff members will stage a walkout for 24 hours over New Year’s Eve.

The CrossCountry train dispute involves managers and senior conductors, ‎in a row over the role of guards.

Strike action at Edinburgh Waverley, staged by staff employed by Gate Gourmet, is part of a long-running dispute over allegations of bullying.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “The disruption to services from the New Year’s Eve strike action is wholly down to these greedy private companies on our railways seeking to squeeze out every penny they can by hammering down on safety, jobs, and workplace dignity.

“Our members at CrossCountry and Gate Gourmet are standing up for all rail workers as we expect a torrent of attacks on jobs, pay, safety, pensions and working conditions in 2022.

“We are ready for a New Year of campaigning and action on all fronts.”

CrossCountry said it expected disruption to its services, adding it would only be able to run a “very limited” timetable.

A statement said: “We are advising customers to alter their plans where possible and to avoid travel on December 31.”