Avanti West Coast will operate a reduced timetable from next week until further notice.
The train company, which runs the Liverpool Lime Street to London Euston route, cited staff shortages, the "current industrial relations climate" and claims of "unofficial strike action" by ASLEF members" as reasons for cutting back the timetable. The union has strongly rejected these claims as "lies".
Avanti is now working to finalise a new schedule and has temporarily suspended ticket sales from August 14 to September 11 as a result. A statement on the company's website read: "From 14 August until further notice, we will be introducing a reduced timetable on our services. This is due to the current industrial relations climate which has resulted in severe staff shortages in some grades through increased sickness levels, as well as unofficial strike action by ASLEF members.
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"As a result of the above, including the majority of drivers declaring themselves unavailable for overtime, our customers have faced multiple short-notice cancellations on our network which has had a severe impact on their plans.
"The reduced timetable is being introduced to ensure a reliable service is delivered so our customers can travel with greater certainty. This decision was not taken lightly, and we are sorry for the enormous frustration and inconvenience this will cause.
"We urge the rail unions to engage in meaningful industry reform talks around modernising working practices and developing a railway fit for the 21st century. We remain open for talks at any time."
However, ASLEF - the train drivers' union - has denied that any official or unofficial strike is ongoing. A spokesperson told the ECHO : "There is no strike – official or unofficial - on Avanti West Coast this week. The truth is that the company does not employ enough drivers to deliver the service it has promised passengers it will run. The company should stop lying and start recruiting."
ASLEF has said that most train drivers have not had a pay rise since 2019. It states that the drivers "deserve fair pay that keeps up with the cost of living".
The revised timetable will see Avanti running four trains an hour from Euston - one to each of Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham. Additionally, there will be a shuttle service between Crewe and Holyhead, and one through service a day between Euston and Chester.
The timetable will be in place until further notice. Tickets bought for cancelled services will be accepted on the Avanti service before or after the original booked train. However, those who no longer wish to travel because of the new timetable can get a refund.
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