Train passengers face disruption next week as drivers take part in a 48-hour strike over pay.

Arriva Trains Wales drivers in the ASLEF and RMT unions will walk-out from midnight next Thursday (November 12), impacting on the company’s services between Chester and Manchester, Crewe, Llandudno, Holyhead, Birmingham and Cardiff.

Alternative operators serve some of the same destinations although places like Frodsham and Helsby will be left without any rail service.

Rail union RMT said the 48-hour strike, affecting the whole of Wales and neighbouring English counties, will begin at 00.01am on Thursday November 12 and conclude at 11.59pm on Friday November 13.

Unions had planned to walkout last month but this was averted after last ditch talks.

An RMT spokesman said: “The key issue is the unwillingness of Arriva Trains Wales to table an adequate pay offer despite RMT postponing previous strike action to allow for further meaningful discussions to take place.”

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “RMT officials have made every effort to resolve this dispute through negotiation, even postponing previous action in good faith so that management could return to the table with a serious offer.

'No alternative'

“They have point blank refused to do that and, therefore, we have been left with no alternative other than to reinstate the strike action.

“Our members on Arriva Trains Wales are furious over this management intransigence which has left us with no option but to send a message that the union will refuse to stand by and allow them to be treated with such utter contempt over these important issues.

“As ever, RMT remains available for further meaningful talks.”

Gareth Thomas, HR director at Arriva Trains Wales, said: “Progress has been made towards achieving some of the unions’ aspirations and we will continue our negotiations this week where we hope that we will reach a satisfactory agreement for all sides.”

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