Chiltern Railways says more than 90 per cent of its services will run as usual on Thursday 12 November, despite a 24-hour strike by train managers in the RMT union, but some routes will have no trains at all.

The industrial action has been called by RMT members working as train managers. The union announced the walkout on 5 November, and Chiltern Railways confirmed the following day that it expected to run the vast majority of its services on the day, with timetables to be updated in advance.

Passengers on some routes will face significant disruption. No Chiltern Railways services will run between Stratford-upon-Avon and Leamington Spa all day, and no services will run north of Birmingham Moor Street. The last northbound service from Birmingham Moor Street to Stourbridge Junction and Worcester Shrub Hill will depart at 10.57pm.

Why the union is striking

The dispute centres on plans for the first stage of East West Rail between Oxford and Milton Keynes, and the union’s concerns about driver-only operation on the new services. The RMT says the company has refused to guarantee the safety-critical role of a second person on board each train.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said members had already shown their determination to defend the safety-critical role of the second person on board, and would take further strike action while the company failed to address what he described as legitimate concerns.

Chiltern Railways says 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 dealing with any issues. Tony Baxter, the company’s interim managing director, said: “We’re disappointed that the RMT is continuing with industrial action over how we intend to run services on the first stage of East West Rail between Oxford and Milton Keynes.”

What passengers should expect

Despite the strike, Chiltern Railways will run trains to and from Wembley Stadium Station to support the England against Croatia football match on Thursday evening, with an enhanced match-day service planned for supporters travelling to the game.

The company said it expected to operate the vast majority of its services and to limit the impact on customers, and that confirmed timetables for the day would be published as soon as possible. Picket lines are planned at stations including Birmingham Moor Street, Stourbridge Junction and Banbury.

Passengers planning to travel on Thursday 12 November are advised to check Chiltern Railways’ website or app before setting out, as timetables are being updated and some services may change at short notice. The dispute over staffing on East West Rail services remains unresolved, and the union has not ruled out further action if talks fail to reach an agreement.