Passengers relying on Avanti\u2019s West Coast Mainline services<\/strong> are facing significant disruptions as a series of strikes by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT)<\/strong> has been announced. These walkouts stem from an unresolved dispute over pay for working on rest days, a long-standing issue that has escalated into widespread industrial action. The strikes are expected to severely impact one of the UK\u2019s busiest rail corridors, creating challenges for commuters, businesses, and leisure travelers alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The industrial action will occur every Sunday from January 12 through to the end of May 2025<\/strong>, leaving passengers with months of uncertainty and the need to plan alternative travel arrangements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disruptions on Key Routes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The strikes<\/strong> will significantly reduce the usual services<\/strong> on some of the most important intercity routes<\/strong> between London<\/strong>, Birmingham<\/strong>, Glasgow<\/strong>, and other major cities<\/strong>. On strike Sundays<\/strong>, only four trains per hour<\/strong> will run from London Euston<\/strong>, with no services to destinations like North Wales<\/strong>, Blackpool<\/strong>, and Edinburgh<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Passengers will also face engineering work that further complicates travel plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below is a summary of the key disruptions expected :<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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• Limited services<\/strong>: Only four trains per hour from London Euston, to :\n
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  • Birmingham<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Manchester<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Liverpool<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Preston<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • No services to :<\/strong>\n
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    • North Wales<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Blackpool<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Edinburgh<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Stoke-on-Trent<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Macclesfield<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Replacement bus services<\/strong>: Limited connections, such as between Carlisle and Preston<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Engineering works<\/strong>: Additional disruptions, especially on routes like Glasgow to Carlisle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Travel Alternatives and Refunds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Avanti<\/a><\/strong> has advised passengers to plan their journeys on days other than Sundays<\/strong>, or to claim refunds<\/strong> for any disruptions. Tickets<\/strong> purchased for strike days<\/strong> will remain valid for travel on alternate dates<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Additionally, the train company is offering fee-free refunds<\/strong> for anyone unable to make alternative arrangements. With a reduced timetable<\/strong> in effect, it’s crucial for travelers<\/strong> to plan ahead and avoid Sunday travel<\/strong> if possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The Union\u2019s Stance and Avanti\u2019s Response<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      The strikes<\/strong><\/a> come after the RMT’s<\/strong> repeated calls for better pay<\/strong>, particularly for employees working on their designated rest days<\/strong>. The union<\/strong> has stated that their members overwhelmingly rejected Avanti\u2019s<\/strong> latest offers, which they feel do not address their concerns adequately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n