This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-34094375
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| First Great Western bank holiday strike: Busy trains and cancellations expected | First Great Western bank holiday strike: Busy trains and cancellations expected |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| A number of rail services have been cancelled as First Great Western staff begin a three-day walkout. | A number of rail services have been cancelled as First Great Western staff begin a three-day walkout. |
| Industrial action, the result of a dispute over the introduction of new high-speed trains, is set to affect routes in south-west England and Wales. | Industrial action, the result of a dispute over the introduction of new high-speed trains, is set to affect routes in south-west England and Wales. |
| Talks between the firm and the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union failed to avert the strike. | Talks between the firm and the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union failed to avert the strike. |
| The firm says it told the union there will be no job losses, but the RMT said "basic assurances" had not been given. | The firm says it told the union there will be no job losses, but the RMT said "basic assurances" had not been given. |
| Action will disrupt FGW services, which run between London Paddington and south Wales and south-west England, with some cancellations already announced. | Action will disrupt FGW services, which run between London Paddington and south Wales and south-west England, with some cancellations already announced. |
| Other trains may be very busy, and last train services are likely to leave "significantly earlier" than usual, the operator warned. | Other trains may be very busy, and last train services are likely to leave "significantly earlier" than usual, the operator warned. |
| RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said it had been left with "no option" but to strike. | RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said it had been left with "no option" but to strike. |
| "Despite strenuous and continuing efforts by our negotiators we have not been able to secure the kind of progress we hoped for in the key areas of jobs, services and safety for us to reach an agreement," he said. | "Despite strenuous and continuing efforts by our negotiators we have not been able to secure the kind of progress we hoped for in the key areas of jobs, services and safety for us to reach an agreement," he said. |
| An FGW spokesman accused the union of unfairly inconveniencing passengers and asking members to go without pay despite a "series of concessions" on the firm's part. | An FGW spokesman accused the union of unfairly inconveniencing passengers and asking members to go without pay despite a "series of concessions" on the firm's part. |
| "They've already got what they asked for," he added. | "They've already got what they asked for," he added. |
| Notable service alterations | Notable service alterations |
| Has your journey been affected by the strike? You can share your comments and experience by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. | |
| Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: | |
| Or use the form below |