Passengers are being warned of widespread disruption to rail services this bank holiday weekend as CrossCountry trains will be heavily affected by industrial action from the RMT union.
The train operator confirmed that no services will run on Saturday, there will be a risk of cancellations on Sunday, and only a “very limited” service will operate on Monday. The disruption comes after the RMT union said its members voted strongly in favour of strike action, accusing CrossCountry of failing to uphold agreements on staffing, safety, and pay.
CrossCountry managing director Shiona Rolfe said the company remained committed to reaching an agreement and was ready to continue talks with the union. “It is hugely disappointing to not operate any services on Saturday, knowing the inevitable disruption to many of our passengers’ journeys over the bank holiday weekend,” she added.
Engineering work in the West Midlands on Monday will add to the challenges, with some journeys taking longer as a result of restricted operations between 08:00 and 18:00 BST.
To help offset the disruption, National Express announced it will add 9,000 extra seats across key cities including Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Bolton, Cardiff, Hull, London, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield, Swansea, and Wolverhampton.
Rail users in Sheffield voiced cautious support for the strike despite the inconvenience. Frequent traveller Steven Vivian, 44, said: “They have a right to expect their pay to keep pace with how MPs’ pay has gone up over the last decade.” Another passenger, Kristian White, 21, added: “It bothers me in the short term, but if they want to strike and fight for their values, why shouldn’t they?”
CrossCountry has advised passengers with tickets booked for Saturday to claim a refund or travel on alternative days. Tickets dated 23 August will be valid between 21 and 27 August.
