Wales Is Next As 48-Hour Strike Begins Tonight, Say RMT

by Benson Agoha | Transport

Arriva Trains Wales have began frantic efforts to cushion the effect of the impending 48-hour strike in Wales, due from midnight.

Latest travel advise from the Arriva posted on its twitter page said "Cardiffbus will accept rail Season Tickets during strike action - for details of stopping points, routes and times."

It also advised passengers to contact "@TravelineCymru for advice on alternative transport options during driver union industrial action affecting our trains tomorrow and Friday."

It comes as talks between RMT Union and Arriva Trains Wales deadlocked and declared failed by RMT today. The Union has announced that its planned 48-hours strike will go ahead from midnight, according to RMT General Secretary Mick Cash.

In a statement, RMT said talks aimed at resolving a pay and safe working conditions dispute have broken down without agreement and as a result driving staff on Arriva Trains Wales will strike for 48 hours from 00.01 tomorrow - Thursday 12th November 2015.

RMT said the key issue at the heart of the dispute has been the unwillingness of Arriva Trains Wales to table an adequate pay offer despite unions postponing previous strike action to allow for further meaningful discussions to take place.

The Union said its member drivers on Arriva Trains Wales have been instructed to take the 48-hours of strike action by NOT booking on for any turns of duty between [between]:-

00:01 on Thursday 12th November 2015 and 23:59 on Friday 13th November 2015

RMT General secretary Mick Cash said in a statement that: RMT officials made every effort to resolve the dispute through negotiation and even had to postpone a previous action in good faith so that management could return to the table with an improved offer.

But he said they have failed to do that and, therefore, "we have been left with no alternative other than to regretfully press ahead with the strike action tomorrow."

He said: “Our members on Arriva Trains Wales are furious over managements failure to improve working conditions and safety and to reduce fatigue. That failure has left us with no option but to take action and send a message that the union will refuse to stand by and allow ATW staff to be treated with such complete contempt over the fundamental issues of pay and safe working conditions."

“RMT has made it clear from the start that all we are seeking is improved conditions of working which will reduce driver fatigue and improve safety for staff and passengers alike. RMT also wants ATW to pay Train Drivers in Wales a salary which compares favourably to Drivers elsewhere."

“As ever, RMT remains available for further meaningful talks", the Union General Secretary said.