RMT warns of more Great Western industrial action

THE RMT union has warned that more strikes are likely on First Great Western unless the currently deadlocked dispute over the next generation of intercity trains on FGW can be resolved.

The union claims 'solid support' for its Bank Holiday weekend stoppages, which disrupted FGW services and closed some routes entirely.

The dispute concerns the Hitachi-built Intercity Express trains which are to replace the present diesel Intercity 125 sets between London, Bristol and Swansea by 2018.

FGW wants the driver to control the doors, saying that drivers will have the best view thanks to CCTV in the cabs, but the RMT is calling for the doors to be operated, as now, by the Train Manager. The union is also opposed to catering changes on board which would mean no separate buffet counters.

First Great Western said its plans would create rather than reduce jobs, and neither side are showing signs of changing their stance.

The Hitachi Intercity Express plant in Newton Aycliffe is to be formally opened on Thursday, where fleets for the Great Western and East Coast Main Lines will be assembled. The plant will also supply new fleets in the related Hitachi AT series for lines in Scotland and the far south west of England.

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