FIRST Great Western is hopeful that the 72-hour bank holiday strike may still be called off despite earlier reports that talks had broken down.

The RMT wrote to members this afternoon advising them that a 72-hour walk-out will take place from 00.01 on Saturday and will run right through the bank holiday weekend.

A separate walk-out would affect fleet maintenance staff, who will strike on Saturday and Monday, and not work any overtime on Sunday.

However FGW says that, with a further meeting planned with the RMT union later in the week, the strike could still be averted. 

The planned walk-out comes a week after RMT members at FGW took to the picket lines last weekend in the on-going dispute over the introduction of new Hitachi Super Express trains, which the union fears will result in the loss of jobs and the removal of the buffet car service.

Writing to members RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our members on the successful strike action taken last weekend over the threat to jobs, services and safety.

“The strike action was solidly supported at all locations right across First Great Western. Further, as members may be aware, urgent talks have taken place this week between your Senior Union Representatives and FGW management in an effort to resolve the current dispute but no agreement has been reached.

“Once again, I would like to thank all our members for your strength of feeling, determination and solidarity shown throughout this dispute and I hope this will continue until all our demands are met.”

But an FGW spokesman said: "We have had positive talks with the RMT again.

"We have once again reiterated that our proposals do not involve running the new trains without a qualified train manager on board and that our plans mean recruiting at least 100 more on board staff, not less.

“Following today's discussions we have written to the RMT for them to formally consider our current proposals.

"We hope to hear from them soon, and have scheduled further discussions later this week.

“The brand new Super Express Trains will deliver more seats, faster journey times and more frequent journeys for our passengers.

"Our plans mean more train managers and customer hosts on board our trains not less, and who on every Intercity Express Train, will maintain the same safety competences as they currently require."

If the strike goes ahead information about services will be at www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/strike