CrossCountry trains has announced there will be strike action across the network this weekend.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) are striking on the weekend of February 19 in a long-running battle over jobs and safety.

There is also disruption on Friday, February 18 due to Storm Eunice and further strike action planned for March 5. 

The company said there will be a “very limited” timetable, with the cancellation of many services.

A statement said: "Customers are strongly advised to alter their plans and avoid travelling on Saturday."

It is expected that the operating services will be extremely busy. 

Glasgow Times: RMT pickets in 2016 (PA)RMT pickets in 2016 (PA) (Image: PA)

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “The common thread that runs through these three disputes is a refusal by RMT members to accept that the employer can hammer down on pay, safety, jobs and working conditions at will.

“‎They are about the defence of livelihoods, working conditions, safety and agreements that the management side are seeking to rip apart regardless of the implications for both staff and passengers.

“The other common thread is the abject failure to engage in serious talks. RMT stands ready for genuine negotiations on all fronts but in the meantime our action goes ahead exactly as planned.”

When is the strike and what is the amended timetable? 

Strike action will take place on Saturday February 19 and Saturday March 5. 

There will be a "very limited timetable" with the cancellation of many services.

CrossCountry will run a core but reduced service between: 

  • Edinburgh and Exeter St Davids
  • Manchester Piccadilly and Reading
  • Birmingham New Street and Peterborough (a supplementary bus replacement runs between Leicester and Peterborough)

There will be no trains between the following destinations: 

  • Aberdeen and Edinburgh
  • Glasgow Central and Edinburgh
  • Derby and Nottingham
  • Peterborough and Stansted
  • Cheltenham Spa and Cardiff Central
  • Newton Abbot and Paignton
  • Exeter St.David’s and Penzance
  • Reading and Bournemouth

Full service changes can be found here. 

What happens if I have already bought a ticket? 

You may use your original tickets for CrossCountry services for Saturday 19 February on Thursday 17 February and Sunday 20 February 2022.

If you do travel on Saturday, you can use your ticket on any CrossCountry train. 

You can ask for a full refund from your ticket provider if you choose not to travel. 

Full details can be found here.