Shropshire rail passengers hit by Virgin Trains workers' pay strike

Staff walked out for a 24-hour strike over pay.

But Virgin insisted it would run the majority of its services during a series of planned strikes

The firm confirmed that two return services between Shrewsbury and London Euston were cancelled today due to the strike, but passengers were able to travel on alternative services.

A Virgin Trains spokesman said: “Unfortunately, due to the action we can’t run every train, so we have focused on preserving services on our busiest routes so as to help the maximum number of customers.

“People going to destinations we’re not serving can travel on other operators.”

Workers on Virgin Trains West Coast were said to be “solidly supporting” the strike over pay.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union and the Transport Salaried Staffs Association mounted picket lines outside stations at the start of the 24-hour walkout.

Virgin said most of its services would run despite the action.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “Our members the length and breadth of the Virgin West Coast operation are standing solid and determined this morning in their fight for workplace equality and justice.

“Virgin is a wealthy outfit and there is no excuse whatsoever for Sir Richard Branson to ‎under value and discriminate against the very same staff whose hard work finances his luxury lifestyle.

“Virgin should stop trying to play divide and rule and should address the fundamental issue of workplace equality which is at the heart of this dispute.”

Speaking about the effects of the strike in Shropshire yesterday, Ken Usher, RMT Midlands regional organiser, said: “There have not been any Virgin trains running between Shrewsbury and London and I’m aware there’s also been a number of other connections that have failed so it has caused disruption.

“This isn’t a dispute we rushed into in any shape or form. The whole dispute is about fairness, justice and equality.”

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union will also walk out on December 22 and on January 5, 8, 26 and 29.

The union said around 1,800 train managers, on-board catering staff, station and clerical workers will be involved in the action.

Virgin said it had offered a “significantly above-inflation pay rise” which had been rejected by the unions.

Phil Whittingham, managing director for Virgin Trains on the west coast, said: “The RMT leadership is attempting to cause disruption when many will want to travel by train to spend time with loved ones.

“We have explored a generous 3.6 per cent pay increase, however the unions’ leaderships are insisting on four per cent, double the two per cent average increase seen across the UK this year.

“We know how important it is for friends and families to get together over the festive season, so whilst we’re sorry for the disruption we will keep the majority of our trains running with fully-trained staff on board and at stations.

“We remain open to talks with the RMT and TSSA, and urge them to call off these strikes which will cost their members pay for no gain.”