RAIL users in East Lancashire face major disruption after workers voted to strike later this month.

Train crew members from nine operating companies, including North West Regional Railways, are to take 24-hour action on Friday, August 23, and Tuesday, August 27, in disputes over productivity pay and refreshment breaks.

The strikes were announced by the Rail Maritime and Transport union after an overwhelming vote for action by senior conductors, ticket examiners and on-train catering staff.

The dates chosen by the RMT coincide with planned strikes by London Underground drivers.

Government minister John Bowis said: "Strike action on these sorts of issues is an outdated form of protest and, as always in these instances, it is the innocent that suffer."

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