RMT strike: 'Mood is united'

Rail services are severely affected after last-minute talks to avert a 48-hour strike on First Great Western (FGW) services failed.

Services between London, the west of England and Wales are hit by the walk-out which staeted at 18:30 BST yesterday.

The industrial action is also likely to affect fans heading to the first Ashes test match in Cardiff.

The dispute centres on plans to axe guards and buffet cars on FGW's new Hitachi Inter City Express trains.

General Secretary Mick Cash said: "RMT members across First Great Western are solidly supporting the 48 hours of strike action over the threat to jobs, services and safety. Pickets are out in force and the mood is united and determined as we fight for workplace justice.

"FGW are running a skeleton service in some areas which is dangerously overcrowded and being operated by inadequately trained managers, raising serious safety issues which RMT will be taking up formally.

"The anger of staff is clear as the action bites and it is now down to the company to recognise that and get back round the table to address the serious issues at the core of this dispute. "