MAJOR rail strikes are set to spiral south Essex into chaos tomorrow as staff walk out amid a bitter dispute over jobs, pay and conditions.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) at c2c, Greater Anglia (GA), Network Rail and 12 other train operators across the country are set to strike on Wednesday.

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Rail bosses have advised customers to only travel on Wednesday if their journey is essential as only a fraction of the usual timetable will be in operation.

Scott Inness, a 44-year-old IT technician who commutes using the Greater Anglia Southend Victoria to London Liverpool Street line, fears there will be more strikes to come this year if a solution is not reached.

“We’ve already had massive strikes, and now we are set for more that are going to make getting to work hell, or even impossible,” he said.

“I hope the rail companies and the unions can sort this mess out between them, because it is getting a bit tiresome for those just trying to commute, and by the looks of it there is plenty more to come.”

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch says union members are more determined than ever to secure a decent pay rise, job security and good working conditions.

“Network Rail have not made any improvement on their previous pay offer and the train companies have not offered us anything new.

“In fact Network Rail have upped the ante, threatening to impose compulsory redundancies and unsafe 50 per cent cuts to maintenance work if we did not withdraw our planned strike action.

“RMT will continue to negotiate in good faith but we will not be bullied or cajoled by anyone.”

Wednesday’s action will see c2c and Greater Anglia running reduced services between 7.30am – 6.30pm, with no trains before or after.

No c2c trains will serve Chafford Hundred or Ockendon stations.

A second strike, organised by members of train drivers’ union ASLEF will see Greater Anglia services across south Essex also disrupted on Saturday, July 30.

Both operators have also warned customers disruption is likely to continue into Thursday morning as employees return to duties.

Rob Mullen, managing director for c2c, said: “Our teams are working to deliver a service on this latest day of action but we must warn customers to only travel if their journeys are essential as we will be running a significantly reduced service with trains stopping much earlier than usual.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia's managing director, said: “We understand how frustrated our customers feel about their travel plans being disrupted.

“We are very sorry for the inconvenience disruption due to strikes causes our customers.

“Negotiations are continuing, and we hope an agreement with the unions can be reached soon.”

A Department for Transport spokesman, said: “The rail industry has to modernise and be brought into the 21st century for the benefit of passengers and staff. We’re extremely disappointed to see that instead of staying at the table, RMT executives have chosen to walk away once more.

“We continue to encourage RMT to do the right thing by their members and passengers alike and call off the strikes.”

The RMT has announced more national strikes for August 18 and 20.