On 10 January, RMT guards and train drivers at First Great Western voted overwhelmingly to strike over disputes on breakdowns in industrial relations and the use of managers to guard and drive trains.
Theresa May said, “I am dismayed that after all the serious problems rail passengers in Maidenhead and Twyford have had with First Great Western, especially over the Christmas break, they could now be affected by a strike action. When will the RMT learn that strike action is not the answer? The only people it will hurt are the passengers trying to use the trains to go to work and about their daily business. I would urge both the RMT and First Great Western to work hard together to reach a reasonable solution as soon as possible.”
