First Great Western train drivers and guards to go on strike

Up to 500 Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers' Union (RMT) guards and drivers at First Great Western are to go on a 48-hour strike, starting on 20 January, in a dispute over a breakdown in industrial relations and the use of managers to guard and drive trains.

The RMT agreed to ballot the union's 1,500 other members at the train operator in furtherance of the dispute.

Bob Crow, RMT general secretary, said: "After considering reports from our people on the ground in First Great Western, the RMT executive agreed that our guard members will strike on Sunday 20 January and Monday 21 January.

"We have also agreed to put in place a ballot of more than 1,500 RMT members in all other grades across the company, and to urge them to vote for action in furtherance of the dispute," he said.