RMT calls off Avanti Christmas strikes as its members mull new offer

Avanti West Coast Train managers have suspended strike action which had been called by the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT).

The strike was due to take place over the Christmas break, potentially causing significant disruption to the West Coast main line. However, the strike which was due to take place on December 22, 23 and 29 will now not go ahead.

The union has said that it has suspended the action whilst RMT members involved in the dispute vote on a fresh offer from Avanti West Coast, which would conclude on December 17.

An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: “We are pleased that the RMT have decided to suspend these strikes which would have caused major disruption to our services, and this will come as a relief to our customers who were making travel plans over the Christmas period.

“We remain open to discussion with the RMT and await the outcome of the referendum where Train Managers can vote on this offer.”

According to the union, the new offer is understood to involve “revised and enhanced Rest Day working agreements” alongside the creation of a rest-day working  allocation agreement.

Last week, RMT’s General Secretary Mick Lynch said members had “decisively rejected” the offer which he described as “unacceptable” at the time.

The dispute centres on the difference between what Avanti pays Train Managers compared to Train Managers when asked to work on rest days, often on trains running at unsociable hours.

It’s claimed the difference in pay can be as much as £300, however in the union’s e-referendum on Avanti’s offer to reduce that gap, 92.8% rejected the proposals. Turnout was 81%.