There will be no trains through Kemble on several days next week, as the biggest rail strike in 30 years takes place. 

Industrial action by the RMT union at train operators across the industry and Network Rail is expected to severely affect services from June 21 to 25.

The dispute is over pay, conditions and job security, with unions complaining that railway staff who worked through the pandemic are facing job cuts, a pay freeze and attacks on employment conditions.

On strike days, June 21, 23 and 25, only 30 per cent of GWR services will be operating and people are being warned to expect severe disruption and to only travel by rail if absolutely necessary.

There will be no trains at all in Gloucestershire on these days. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: No trains are expected in Gloucestershire on strike daysNo trains are expected in Gloucestershire on strike days

On June 22 and 24 there is expected to be one train per hour between Cheltenham and Swindon, but only from 7am. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: There is expected to be one train per hour on the non-strike days next weekThere is expected to be one train per hour on the non-strike days next week

GWR managing director Mark Hopwood said: “We very much welcome the opportunity to continue to talk with the RMT to avert strike action.

"Any strike will impact on customers’ journeys and can only damage the post-Covid recovery everyone at GWR has been working to win back, while at the same time making it more difficult to deliver the changes we need to secure jobs and services for the future. 

“I’m hopeful the RMT will step back, however colleagues have been working hard to put contingency plans in place and give certainty to customers who need to travel.

"The priority will be to keep trains running and customers moving safely, but changes will be needed to allow that to happen and customers may wish to alter their plans.”

Where trains are able to run, they are expected to be extremely busy and replacement bus services will not be provided.

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Customers who have already purchased tickets can claim a full refund or can amend their tickets. Season ticket holders can apply for compensation through the Delay Repay scheme.

GWR is allowing people with tickets for travel on strike days to be able to travel on the day before and up to two days after.