Overview
- Walkouts are scheduled for December 6, 13, 20 and 27, covering the busiest pre‑ and post‑Christmas Saturdays.
- Multiple outlets report that most CrossCountry services through the Birmingham New Street hub are likely to be cancelled or run on a severely reduced timetable.
- RMT cites long‑running disputes over pay, staffing, overtime payments, resourcing and grade pay discrepancies, accusing the operator of breaking commitments.
- CrossCountry’s managing director says the company is disappointed by the action, has made a fair and reasonable offer and is ready to continue talks to avoid disruption.
- The strikes coincide with major Network Rail engineering work, including West Coast Main Line closures on December 27 that could increase pressure on alternative routes.