Avanti West Coast rail caterers to strike in row over working conditions

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

Railway caterers are to strike in a dispute over working conditions.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union working on Avanti West Coast trains will walk out on Friday June 7.

The union said the company imposed rosters that are causing widespread “stress and fatigue”.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Avanti West Coast is demonstrating an abysmal disregard for the welfare of its staff.

“Our members, who provide essential catering services on-board, have faced relentless job cuts, erratic scheduling and enforced overtime.

“The company’s chaotic management has left staff unable to plan their lives, creating an unacceptable level of stress and fatigue.

“The situation is intolerable and we have been left with no choice but to take strike action to protect our members and demand a fair and reasonable work-life balance.”

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

“We would welcome further discussion with RMT to resolve this dispute and we’re sorry for any inconvenience this industrial action will cause to our customers.”