WORCESTER Trades Union Council (WTUC) is calling for members of its affiliated branches to protest to protect the role of guards on trains.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) is in dispute with West Midlands Trains, who they say want to introduce a Driver-Only Operation which would mean there would be no guards or conductors on services.

Mike Cross, WTUC communications officer, said: “RMT believe this would substantially compromise passenger safety. They also fear that Driver Controlled Operation is a step towards phasing out guards altogether in the drive by Abellio, the company running West Midlands Trains, to cut costs and maximise profits.”

He added: “Council understands that losing Saturday trains, particularly this time of year, can be very frustrating. We are confident however, that when they become aware of the critical significance of the guard’s role, most people will support the RMTs action.

“As a Trades Council we consider it our duty to assist RMT in any way we can; unions standing together, it’s what we are here for.”

Rail staff strikes are set to disrupt services every Saturday in the run up to Christmas.

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Train companies are warning passengers to plan ahead.

Worcester Trades Union Council posted on Facebook on December 1: “Whilst trying to protect the role of guards RMT is trying to minimise passenger inconvenience by staging the strikes on Saturdays rather than weekdays.

“If the management of West Midlands Trains has genuine concern about passenger rights, they should focus on providing more carriages on desperately overcrowded routes.”