A FRESH strike by railway workers is causing more travel misery for passengers in Oxfordshire today as a dispute over pay, jobs and conditions remains deadlocked.

Talks between the leader of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT), train company employers and Rail Minister Huw Merriman yesterday failed to make a breakthrough.

The union went ahead with another 48 hour walkout from today on Network Rail and 14 train operators which crippled services across the country.

Trains in and out of Oxford started later than usual and will finish earlier, while some parts of the country will no services.

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RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said the union continued to receive strong support from the public.

He said: “Many people are suffering from low wages.”

Andrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive, said: “The RMT has deliberately chosen to try and ruin Christmas for millions of passengers and businesses.

“The industry will do all it can to keep services running and projects on-track but serious disruption is inevitable given the RMT’s action.”

Disruption will continue for the rest of the month because of an overtime ban by RMT members at 14 train operators.

The RMT rail workers' union has also announced strikes on:

  • Saturday December 24 (from 6pm) until Tuesday December 27
  • Tuesday and Wednesday, January 3 and 4
  • Friday and Saturday, January 6 and 7

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi