MORE than 400 RMT union members are to launch a five-day strike at rail maintenance depots across the East Coast mainline tomorrow.

The Hitachi Rail workers maintain rolling stock and signalling for LNER.

RMT said Hitachi has refused to make an acceptable offer despite raking in more than £100 million in profit last year and paying out a whopping £260m in dividends.

The union also warned that it has carried out a risk assessment of the company’s safety regime in the event of a strike, finding it is not up to standard and poses risks to the travelling public.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said members “are fully prepared for a sustained industrial campaign if we cannot make progress on a new pay offer” after “every effort was made” to find a negotiated settlement.

The stoppage will take place at Craigentinny, Bounds Green and Doncaster maintenance depots across the East Coast mainline.

Hitachi Rail has been contacted for comment.