the company is "committed to working with the RMT to resolve this"
A 24-hour rail strike is set to disrupt Chiltern Railways services across parts of the West Midlands, with passengers facing cancellations and a reduced timetable on routes connecting Stratford-upon-Avon, Leamington Spa and Birmingham.
The industrial action on November 12 will involve train managers who are members of the RMT union, which is continuing its dispute with the operator over staffing arrangements on the proposed East West Rail route.
The strike means a reduced timetable will be in place, with passengers being urged to check their journeys before travelling.
The dispute centres on concerns about plans to introduce driver-only operation on East West Rail services. The RMT argues the proposals could undermine passenger safety and put existing train manager roles at risk.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said the union remained determined to resist any attempt to weaken safety standards on the railway.
Chiltern Railways has criticised the planned industrial action, with interim managing director Tony Baxter saying the company was “disappointed” but expected to operate “the vast majority of our services on that day”.
Responding to the union’s concerns, Baxter said:
“Every East West Rail service will have two people on board – the driver and a colleague looking after passengers, checking tickets, helping people who need assistance and assisting with any issues.
“We have run most of our trains with the driver in control of the doors for decades, safely and as approved by the independent rail regulator.”
He added that the company is “committed to working with the RMT to resolve this” and urged the union to work with it to reach an agreement.
Passengers travelling on Thursday will face several changes to Chiltern Railways services.
No trains will operate between Stratford-upon-Avon and Leamington Spa, with passengers advised to use West Midlands Railway services between Stratford-upon-Avon and Dorridge before connecting onwards.
There will also be a reduced service between Leamington Spa and Birmingham Moor Street, as local shuttle services will not run.
The disruption is expected to particularly affect passengers travelling from Hatton and Lapworth.
Meanwhile, Chiltern Railways will operate no services north of Birmingham Moor Street.
Passengers travelling towards Stourbridge Junction are being advised to use West Midlands Railway services instead.
Those travelling towards Stourbridge Junction and Worcester Shrub Hill should also be aware of the final northbound departure.
The last service will be the 10:57 pm West Midlands Railway train from Birmingham Moor Street.
