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Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
Kieran King

Train strike warning to Leeds United and Manchester United fans

Leeds United fans and other passengers will be hit by reduced rail services due to a planned staff walkout on Sunday.

The Whites host Manchester United this weekend but lines between the two cities are among the affected routes, with distruption anticipated across the day.

Rail, Maritime (RME) and Transport union members at TransPennine Express (TPE) are those involved in the pay row and supporters from both teams are advised to leave plenty of time to get to Elland Road.

TransPennine Express added that anyone planning to travel on their routes should check carefully as services may be subject to change at short notice due to the reduced staff.

This doesn't just include the route from Manchester to Leeds, with York to Scarborough, Hull to Manchester, Edinburgh to Newcastle and Manchester Piccadilly to Sheffield among the others to be affected.

RMT began strike action last weekend and will also be striking on TransPennine services on February 27 and March 6.

People with tickets for TransPennine services on February 20 will be accepted on similar Northern (though not between Manchester and Leeds), LNER, CrossCountry and more services.

The full timetables for the day will be available here when confirmed.

The train services are usually hectic on a matchday, but due to the planned staff walkout and the rivalry between the two sides, it's expected to be a busier than usual.

Kathryn O'Brien, customer experience director for TPE, said: "Anyone planning on using the train this Sunday is urged to only do so if they absolutely have to.

"The trains we are running are likely to be far busier than normal."

Mick Lynch, RMT general secretary, said: "TPE conductors who kept the trains running throughout the pandemic have been left with no choice but to take strike action after being given a flat no to their reasonable request to close the pay gap between themselves and other TransPennine workers by bosses who have mostly been at home throughout the Covid crisis.

"Our members refuse to be treated unfairly and will be continuing with industrial action until the pay discrimination is dealt with."

Leeds come into the clash searching for their first win in four matches after picking up a draw at Aston Villa, while also losing against Newcastle United and Everton.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils earned their first victory in three Premier League games against Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday night and will be looking to seal back-to-back wins over the the Whites.

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