STRIKES could paralyse one of Britain’s busiest rail networks over the Bank Holiday weekend if bosses do not guarantee the future of jobs, rail union RMT warned yesterday as it caused “massive disruption” on the First Great Western network.

Workers across the company’s routes, which connect London Paddington with the Thames Valley, south-west England and south Wales, downed tools in a day-long protest against destaffing and cutting back on catering.

Managers have failed to assure workers that guards, buffet cars and maintenance roles will be maintained at current levels when new inter-city trains are introduced.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “The action today is being solidly supported across First Great Western and the union salutes the unity and determination of our members in this long-running dispute.

“Although we have held many hours of talks with First Great Western we have not been able to make enough significant progress over the core issues at the heart of the dispute.

Mr Cash said these included “drivers being forced to take over door and despatch functions,” which would undermine the role of guards.

The company claimed it was running 70 per cent of its regular Sunday services but with limited on-board catering.