The government is concerned that Christmas train services could be disrupted by staff shortages, the rail minister has said. Lord Hendy said that the transport department was going to “keep a close watch on staffing” throughout the holidays. Disruptions may also be exacerbated by fresh industrial action, with Avanti West Coast train managers voting to strike for three days over the festive period.
Recruitment has proven difficult across the rail industry, leaving train operating companies dependent on staff volunteering to work extra paid shifts, particularly during big occasions. A Department for Transport official told MPs that the railway system was generally “over-reliant on overtime working” for train crew, particularly around Christmas.
Many train drivers and other crew members do not have Sunday working included in their contracts, with some operators offering extra paid shifts to ensure services can run. On Tuesday, the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said that walkouts have been scheduled for 22, 23 and 29 December for Avanti services, after it rejected the train company’s proposals for “rest day working arrangements”.
Train managers typically work a 41-hour week but due to staff shortages can be asked to work on their days off. The RMT has, however, described that the current arrangements as “unacceptable”, with some 300 train managers expected to walk out. Avanti West Coast said customers would face “significant disruption” during “our busiest and most important” time of the year.
It was announced weeks after RMT members working at a number of other rail companies accepted a pay rise of 4.75% for the last financial year, and a 4.5% increase for 2024-25. Those working for Northern, however, recently rejected the firm’s enhanced four-month pay offer for conductors working on Sundays. As a result, passengers may see disruption across its services in December, the company said.
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