Deeside rail passengers set for disruption next week as train drivers agree to 48 hour strike action

Rail passengers in Deeside are facing disruption next week after RMT drivers on Arriva Trains Wales agreed to take 48 hour strike action due to what the union describe as the company ‘dragging its heels’ over a revised pay offer for the 2015 pay award.

RMT Calls 48 Hour Strike Action on Arriva Trains Waleshttp://t.co/TbBVmOU8Jb http://t.co/rhy6CxzaIF

— RMT (@RMTunion) October 15, 2015

The strike will begin at 00:01 on Thursday 22nd October until 23:59 on Friday 23rd October.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said:

“RMT is not prepared to tolerate Arriva Trains Wales delaying tactics any longer. Train drivers deserve a fair pay offer and real improvements in their working conditions.

“We have been left with no alternative than to call strike action to show the company that drivers will not be treated with contempt over such important issues as pay and terms and conditions.”

Trains service long the north Wales coast an through to Chester and trains between Wrexham and Bidston will be affected.

Gareth Thomas, HR Director at Arriva Trains Wales said:

“We are obviously disappointed with the decision for proposed industrial action as we have been working constructively with the driver’s union ASLEF to bring to the table what we consider a generous and realistic pay deal.

“We will obviously continue to negotiate with the Union, seeking to resolve this as soon as possible.”

It is not yet known how many train services across North Wales will be affected by the strike