23 December 2021
RMT Press Office
RAIL UNION RMT confirmed today that strike action will go ahead on Cross Country trains from tomorrow over an assault on the role of the guard after the company snubbed a possible settlement in last ditch talks yesterday.
RMT train managers and senior conductors voted overwhelmingly for action as the company has sought to draft in other staff to carry out their roles.
As a result they will be taking strike action as follows:
00.01 hours until 23.59 hours on Friday 24th December 2021
00.01 hours until 23.59 hours on Friday 31st December 2021
Additionally, RMT Cross Country Senior Conductor and Train Manager members are instructed not to carry out coaching or shadowing duties from 00.01 hours on Saturday 25th December until further notice.
General Secretary Mick Lynch said;
“RMT is angry and disappointed that an attempt to reach a negotiated settlement in talks yesterday was kicked into touch by Cross Country. As a result the action goes ahead as planned.
“This dispute is about a systematic attempt by Cross Country to undermine the role of the Senior Conductors and Train Managers by drafting in other staff to do their jobs.
“Cross Country need to understand that they already have trained and competent guards that are available and ready to work.
“They need to stop with their underhand measures and attempts to train up various other employees to undertake the safety critical role of the guard.
“This strike could have been resolved if people were simply allowed to just get on with their own job and the company stopped threatening the long-term futures of our members and compromising safety as a consequence. The company have knocked back that sensible and rational approach.
“We remain available for for further talks."
Unity House
Tel: 020 7387 4771
Email: