GWR warns disruption into the weekend
Train operator GWR is reminding customers of significantly reduced services this weekend. Industrial action by the RMT union continues on Saturday 25 June, and Sunday is also set to be affected. GWR is warning people to expect severe disruption and to only travel by rail if absolutely necessary.
GWR will operate as many trains as possible. However, most services will be affected on Saturday. Due to the timing of the strike action, services on Sunday will also be affected. On Sunday, no services are running before 0700, and we will also be working hard to re-position our fleet for Monday’s return to normal.
The company warn that short-notice cancellations or changes could occur. They suggest they will do their best to ensure online journey checkers are updated with the latest timetable information. Reading between the lines this is not likely to be entirely reliable. Advice is to check immediately before heading for the station. however and customers are urged to check their journey before starting out.
GWR information suggest some services will still be operating from Taunton, Bridgwater, Castle Cary and Frome. However please note the operator is only aiming to provide about 30% of timetabled services on Saturday. And about 50% on Sunday.
Meanwhile Ken Keable from Yeovil & District Trades Union Council told The Leveller® they: “declare their full support for the strike of RMT members on our railways this week. We urge the public to support them, despite all the difficulties. The rail companies, with the support of the government, are trying to close all ticket offices, cut jobs without consultation, worsen terms and conditions of employment without consultation and make their workers accept a reduction in pay in real terms. This comes at a time when the rail companies are making huge profits.
Nobody wants to go on strike. You lose pay, and who wants that? The fact that so many RMT members voted for the strike shows just how strongly they feel about it.”