STAFF replacing striking train managers could be paid up to double the wages of regular workers, RMT warned today.

Train managers working at Avanti West Coast walked out today in a dispute over rest-day working, leading to significant timetable reductions.

Strikes will continue every Sunday from January 12 until May 25 until the dispute is resolved.

According to RMT, replacement managers can be paid around £500 per shift — up to double the amount usual staff earn.

A spokesperson said: “This kind of destructive approach has been seen time and again across train operating companies and is a hangover from the previous Conservative government, which encouraged practices that reward managers with excessive payouts instead of resolving disputes.

“Reaching a fair settlement would be more cost-effective and make far better use of Avanti’s resources.

“At the heart of the problem is a serious staff shortage, which is why there’s such a heavy reliance on overtime in the first place.”

Kathryn O’Brien, executive director of customer experience at Avanti West Coast, said the firm remains “open to working with the RMT to resolve the dispute.”