You may have seen reports that the RMT have suspended strike action at Network Rail ahead of a referendum on a new deal. 

Members of the TSSA union (management and control staff) have also accepted the proposed pay rise and deal at train operators. While this is welcome news, the RMT strike action at train operators continues and RMT (station and on board staff) will be on strike next Thursday 16 March, Saturday 18 March, Thursday 30 March and Saturday 1 April. 

Many parts of our network will have no service whatsoever on the affected strike days, and where we can run services they will start later and finish much earlier than normal. They will be much busier than usual and subject to short-notice changes and alterations. We are advising customers to find alternative methods of travel or to vary the date of their journey if they can. More information can be found on our dedicated strike page at www.gwr.com/strike including when detailed timetables will be available and how to claim refunds.

Services on Friday 17 and Sunday 20 will also be impacted with services starting later than normal, and anyone travelling on those dates should check their journey before travel.

If you are able to share our updates from our Twitter account at www.twitter.com/gwrhelp or update your own networks in whatever way possible so that as many people as possible know that the strikes have not been called off that would be greatly appreciated.

Thursday 16 March is day three of the Cheltenham Festival. We are working with other train operators (Crosscountry and Transport for Wales), Network Rail and British Transport Police, as well as the Jockey Club on plans for the day, and we will issue an updated note to local stakeholders on Monday when we have a clear plan.  If you would like to be included in this update please let Tom know on thomas.lydon@gwr.com.

It is possible that there will be a limited service for Cheltenham, but this is likely to finish early and our advice for Cheltenham Festival goers is to look for alternative travel.  We will also update our website on Monday with specific information.  

If there is anything we can do to help, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Best wishes

Jane Jones MBE | Head of Public Affairs | Great Western Railway