Virgin Trains East Coast workers to strike in staffing dispute

Workers on Virgin Trains East Coast are to stage a 48-hour strike in a row over the role of guards and jobs. Credit: PA

Workers on Virgin Trains East Coast are to stage a 48-hour strike in a row over the role of guards and jobs.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union will walk out on April 28 and 29, following strikes at three other train operators last Saturday in bitter rows over staffing.

The RMT said it has been seeking an "explicit clarification" from Virgin on the retention of the role of the guard. But Virgin claims the changes will mean "a better experience for customers" and have "zero impact on safety".

The train providers also insists the strike, which will take place over a bank holiday, will cause minimal disruption to Virgin customers.

The RMT union wants a specific assurance from Virgin that a new position of train manager will retain the safety- critical roles and training currently held by train guards.

A statement from the RMT said:

The RMT said consultation over "widespread on-board changes" has been going on for more than a year, adding that the company had implemented the changes from March with no agreement with the union.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: