Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union at Avanti West Coast are set to strike on New Year’s Eve and January 2.
A ‘significantly reduced’ timetable will be in place for the two days, with fewer services running during limited hours.
“We’re disappointed by the RMT calling strike action on December 31 and January 2,” said Kathryn O’Brien, executive director of customer experience at Avanti West Coast.
“Our customers will face significantly disrupted journeys as a result, and I would like to thank them for their patience and understanding.
“On the two strike days we’ll have a significantly reduced service, so customers with tickets for December 31 and January 2 are strongly advised to travel on alternative dates or claim a full fee-free refund.
“We remain open to working with the RMT to resolve the dispute.”
There will be no Avanti West Coast trains to or from Warrington Bank Quay on January 2 as part of the strike.
An RMT spokesperson said: “Our members have resoundingly rejected Avanti’s latest offers in two referendums and sustained strike action is now the only way to focus management’s minds on reaching a negotiated settlement with the union.”
RMT members who work as train managers at Avanti West Coast will also be striking every Sunday from January 12 until May 25, 2025.
“Avanti West Coast created this dispute by ignoring train managers’ concerns and presenting offered those members deemed unacceptable,” said Mick Lynch, RMT general secretary.
“The company must come forward with a revised proposal so we can avoid more strike action further into 2025.”
Customers are advised to check before they travel and can either travel any time from today, Monday, until Saturday or claim a refund.