STRIKE action is to go ahead again tomorrow on the rail lines across south Devon after the latest talks broke down. 

Rail union bosses claim they had put a series of principles to the Rail Delivery Group aiming for a negotiated settlement to the long-running dispute. 

But they say the RDG failed to acknowledge the RMT’s letter. 

Now staff working at 14 train operation companies, including Great Western Railway, will take more action tomorrow. 

The dispute has been ongoing for 18 months now involving 20,000 RMT members who are calling for a deal on job security, working conditions and pay. 

Rail passengers in south Devon will be affected by the latest industrial action.

The RMT strike comes the day after ASLEF members continued their action. 

A reduced timetable will operate on each of the strike days across several train operators including Great Western Railway. 

Many parts of the GWR network will have no service at all. 

Services will only operate for a limited period, starting later in the morning and finishing much earlier in the evening.

Trains that are operating are expected to be busier than usual because GWR will not be able to offer the normal service frequency.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch called the government ‘arrogant’ over its continued ‘refusal’ to give the RDG a mandate for a revised offer which can be put to members in a referendum.

He said: ‘Our members are sick and tired of being treated with contempt by the government and train operating companies.

‘You cannot negotiate a settlement to any dispute unless both parties are willing to site down, talk about the issues and be reasonable.

‘RMT has laid out a comprehensive framework on how we can reach a negotiated settlement and is prepared to meet anytime. 

‘It is now up to ministers to break the deadlock and allow rail bosses to put forward a revised offer.’