COMMUTERS across Herefordshire and Worcestershire could see massive delays if plans for rail guards to strike go ahead.

Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) at 12 train companies have threatened the action if their full list of duties is not restored to safety rulebooks.

The announcement - including planned strikes on Friday, March 28, Monday, March 31 and Thursday, April 17 - came amid fears that some operators were attempting to introduce driver-only services.

"Those train operators have already reneged on one agreement and they have now walked away from a second chance to settle the matter without industrial action," said RMT general secretary Bob Crow, yesterday.

Unacceptable

"We can only assume that they intend to demean further the role of the guard and to extend driver-only operations and that is completely unacceptable.

"The fact that some operators intend to use hastily and inadequately trained managers to undertake guards' duties on strike days underlines our concern at their increasingly cavalier attitude towards safety."

Strikes look set to take place on 12 services, including Central Trains, Midlands Mainline, Virgin West Coast, Virgin Cross Country and Wales and Borders.

Eight train companies - including First Great Western - have so far agreed to restore the guards' full duties to the safety handbook and will not be affected by strikes.