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National
Maria Cassidy

CrossCountry services expected to be cancelled on Saturday over strike action

A number of CrossCountry services could be cancelled on Saturday as strike action is planned this weekend.

Rail union RMT said that further strike action on CrossCountry trains will go ahead on Saturday, February 19 and Saturday, March 5 meaning many CrossCountry services could be cancelled on those days.

CrossCountry says that there will be a limited service on these days as RMT instructs all CrossCountry Senior Conductor and Train Manager members to take further industrial action.

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RMT says the action is in response to an attempt by the rail company to undermine the role of the Senior Conductors and Train Managers by bringing in other staff for these roles.

CrossCountry has said there's been a long history at the rail company for managers to be trained in many roles, including the ability to cover Senior Conductor and Train Manager duties.

Gener‎al Secretary Mick Lynch said: “RMT's campaign is being solidly supported in all Cross Country depots as members show their anger and disappointment that every attempt to reach a negotiated settlement in talks has been kicked into touch by Cross Country.

“This dispute is about a systematic attempt by CrossCountry to undermine the role of the Senior Conductors and Train Managers by drafting in other staff to do their jobs.

“Cross Country need to note the determination of our members in this dispute and understand that they already have trained and competent guards that are available and ready to work.

“This dispute could have been resolved months ago if our members were simply allowed to get on with their jobs rather than having their long-term futures and their safety critical roles threatened by this cash-led assault by Cross Country.

"The company have knocked back that sensible and rational approach and that's why services will be disrupted again this weekend.

“We remain available for further talks."

Tom Joyner, managing director at CrossCountry said: “We are disappointed that we have not been able to find a way forward with our union colleagues.

"These strikes will cause significant disruption to our services at a time when we should be working together to welcome customers back.

"While we remain open to continuing talks with the RMT to prevent these strikes, we are committed to our approach as this provides the best future for our customers, colleagues and our industry.”

CrossCountry is seeking ticket acceptance from the following operators: TfL, South Western Railway, Transport for Wales, TransPennine Express, Greater Anglia, Govia Thameslink Railway, East Midlands Railway, and West Midlands Trains, Avanti, LNER, GWR, Chiltern Railways and ScotRail.

Up-to-date information will be available on CrossCountry website.

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