Train strike to go ahead this weekend

Strike action will cause disruption to trains running through the South West over the bank holiday weekend.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union at First Great Western are due to walk out for three days from Saturday 29 August after the latest talks between the railway operator and the rail union broke down.

The union is in dispute over the threat to jobs, services and safety with the introduction of new high-speed trains.

RMT members have been told not to work between 12.01am on Saturday 29 August and 11.59pm on Monday 31 August.  

The strike follows a  24-hour walkout on Sunday 23 August and a 48-hour strike in July.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: "Despite strenuous and continuing efforts by our negotiators we have not been able to secure the kind of progress we hoped for in the key areas of jobs, services and safety for us to reach an agreement.

"As a result we have no option but to push ahead with the action planned for this weekend."

For details of cancelled and amended services, as well as ticket information, visit www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk