TRAIN managers will take strike action in the run-up to Christmas after rejecting Avanti West Coast’s proposals over rest days, the RMT union announced today.

Union members are to walk out on Sunday December 22 and Monday 23 before Christmas and again the following Sunday.

More than nine in 10 rejected management’s offer in an e-referendum on a turnout of 81 per cent.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Train managers are being treated unfairly compared to senior managers, who receive significant payments for covering these roles.

“Our members have had enough, and this strike action demonstrates their determination to win a fair deal.”

He said RMT remain committed to reach a negotiated settlement, urging Avanti to put forward “serious proposals that reflect the vital contribution of our train managers to the railway."

An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: “We are disappointed the RMT have voted to decline the very reasonable offer made to them to resolve the Rest Day Working dispute and prevent inconvenience to those many people who will be travelling on the West Coast Main Line over this time. We will continue to work with the RMT to resolve the dispute.”

Avanti runs services connecting London Euston and Glasgow and Edinburgh via north-west England.