The West Midlands' local train operator has become embroiled in industrial relations battles with two unions which promise more disruption for passengers over Christmas.

The RMT, which represents train conductors, has announced its members at Central Trains are to strike on December 27 over the lack of extra pay for working on "substitute Bank Holidays".

It follows the unofficial withdrawal of goodwill among Central's drivers last Sunday when only a third volunteered to work, meaning the entire West Midlands timetable had to be cancelled for 24 hours.

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Driver union Aslef blamed the uncertainty hanging over staff because of the impending break-up of the Central franchise for only 50 drivers volunteering instead of the 150 drivers required to run Sunday services.

Conductors are looking for extra payments for working on December 27, which counts as a public holiday because the entire network shuts down on Boxing Day.

The same row erupted last Christmas, when a string of strikes drastically hit services.

About three-quarters of the conductors who voted came out in favour of strike action on December 27.

Dave Jones, regional officer for the RMT, said: "Central Trains has got major industrial relations issues with the two main unions they deal with.

"I just wish they would concentrate more on the bigger problems they face with performance than continually attacking the workforce."

He added: "We told Central Trains in the spring, summer and in September they should talk to us about this problem. They started negotiations in December. In any other job if you work a bank holiday like Christmas Day, or New Year's Day you get extra incentives. Our conductors just get a day off in lieu."

Meanwhile, Aslef has refused to rule out more Sunday shutdowns because the services rely on volunteers from a demoralised pool of drivers.

The break-up of the Central franchise, which was announced in autumn 2004 but will not happen until the end of 2007, could mean some drivers will have to be based elsewhere in the country.

A lack of volunteers is likely to hit travellers again on New Year's Day with a reduced Sunday service, as Central is not offering any incentive of extra pay for drivers.

A spokesman for Central Trains said: "It is a complex issue with Aslef, about guarantees of work around New Street with the franchise change coming up.

"Clearly is it disappointing that the RMT is balloting for strike action, and negotiations are ongoing." ..SUPL: