RAIL union RMT confirmed strike dates for workers on Caledonian Sleeper trains today, as it accused operating company Serco of lying to passengers about the wage dispute.

The key workers will walk out for 11 days between next Tuesday and June 26 after a massive 85 per cent vote in favour of strike action last month over Serco’s imposition of a pay freeze during the Covid-19 pandemic.

RMT said that workers had also been instructed to not work any overtime or on rest days from June 26 until further notice.

In response, the company, which has said that strikes would be “unjustified and very disappointing,” cancelled all services during the affected period. 

After industrial action in October led to train cancellations, RMT warned that any further disruption would be the fault of stubborn bosses, who had incorrectly claimed to be engaging in talks, according to the union. 

In reality, management have stonewalled all attempts to open negotiations, RMT charged.

General secretary Mick Lynch said: “Serco needs to stop lying to passengers and giving false hope about talks, when in fact none have taken place.

“The wholesale cancellation of sleeper services for the durat‎ion of the strike is wholly down to their intransigence and refusal to discuss pay justice for their staff.

“The company needs to get round the table for real so that we can negotiate a fair pay deal for our members, who have kept the service running throughout the pandemic.

“This contempt towards a loyal and dedicated workforce is completely unacceptable and RMT will be backing them all the way. The union remains available for talks.”

Serco Caledonian Sleeper has been contacted for comment.