AGENCY workers on Great Western Railway (GWR) have announced strike action against a “scandalous” shift change which they say will have them each working an extra 60 shifts a year.

Workers employed to clean new trains supplied by Hitachi by the subcontracting giant ISS will strike for two days from Thursday 11 July over the imposition of new shift patterns.

A ballot for strike action returned a 100 per cent Yes vote and they are demanding that the current work patterns be kept.

Their union RMT has accused both Hitachi and ISS of “ramming through” changes and has urged them to “see sense.”

Other ISS workers have begun openly considering strike action in hospitals and government buildings in Liverpool, London and elsewhere.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “Hitachi, ISS and GWR should all be hanging their heads in shame and should pull back immediately.

“It is appalling that ISS staff on this prestigious rail contract are being treated in this disgraceful fashion which will pile additional hours on them and destroy their work-life balance.”

Mr Cash added that the RMT remain available for negotiations with the company.

GWR has been contacted for comment.