Frantic Friday: Rail relief as Virgin strike is called off – but delays are still possible
People looking to catch the train home for the festive season have been granted a Christmas miracle after a planned rail strike was called off.
But people could still face delays and cancellations after the strike was called off so late.
Unions had planned a 24-hour strike on Virgin's West Coast rail line in a move that would have heaped misery on thousands in the West Midlands who would have been trying to get home on one of the busiest travelling days of the year.
The strike would have coincided with chaos on the roads, with several major roadworks, including those on the M5, remaining in place for the mad rush home.
Following 11th hour talks with Virgin management yesterday, the RMT and TSSA unions have suspended today's action and further 24-hour strikes planned for January.
But those travelling by train are still warned to check their journey beforehand as services may still be cancelled due to the strike being called of at such late notice.
Virgin Trains managing director for the West Coast, Phil Whittingham, said: “We’re pleased that we’ve come to an agreement with the RMT and TSSA unions, and can focus on providing the best possible service to our customers.
"We’ll do everything we can to run a full service today, but because the strike has been called off at the last-minute there may be some cancellations. We’ll be working hard to make sure our customers can make it home as quickly and easily as possible for Christmas.”
Virgin Trains is recommending customers still check their journey before they travel. This is because the rosters put in place for tomorrow cover roles not affected by this action and will have to be completely re-drawn. The revised timetable will not be live on Virgin Trains website until the early hours of Friday morning.
The TSSA said it had suspended the strike action following a new offer from Virgin to settle the current pay dispute.
Union general secretary, Manuel Cortes, said "I am pleased Virgin has finally seen sense, come back to the negotiating table, and made an offer sparing our passengers further disruption at a time of the year when the just want to get to be with their loved ones for Christmas."
Around 1,800 train managers, on-board catering staff, station and clerical workers walked out on Friday last week, hitting up to a third of Virgin Trains services across the West Midlands.
A similar impact was expected today if the action had gone ahead.
