STAFF at First Great Western have vowed to walk out over the August bank holiday weekend, the RMT union has said.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union said the strike was due to jobs, services and safety issues over the introduction of new Hitachi Intercity trains.

The proposed removal of buffet car facilities on the new trains remains an unresolved issue as does the introd-uction of driver-only operated doors.

Union members, including drivers and guards, will walk out for 24 hours on Sunday August 23 and for 72 hours from Saturday August 29 to midnight on Bank Holiday Monday.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “Despite strenuous efforts by our negotiators we have not been able to secure the kind of progress required in the key areas of jobs, services and safety for us to reach an agreement.

“As a result we have no option but to put further action on.

“The fact remains if it is good enough for East Coast, using the same trains, to meet the very basic assurances sought by this trade union then it is good enough for First Great Western as well.”

Last month the union rejected an improved offer before announcing it would meet to discuss future dates.