Row over rail strike that risks dragging country "back to the 1980s"

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Commuters have been urged not to travel unless it's absolutely necessary as rail services look set to be crippled from tomorrow.It comes as a Renfrewshire politician urged the Westminster government to "show some leadership" in a bid to sort out the critical issue and avoid the strikes "no one wants".Neil Bibby says Tory ministers are dragging the country "back to the 1980s" as fears grow that they are set to preside over a summer of discontent, worsened by striking public sector workers as fury over the cost of living crisis rises.Only five routes will be served in the whole of West Central Scotland during the three days of Britain-wide industrial action, will see signalling services shutdown.Don't miss the latest headlines from around Renfrewshire.

Sign up to our newsletters here.Members of the RMT union, which represents many railway staff, will pull members out tomorrow (Tuesday) and on Thursday and Saturday this week, as a dispute with Network Rail and some Department of Transport operating companies comes to a head.The action is expected to have a knock-on effect on days in between, as signal workers will not access boxes until after 7am and the network will face a delay in ramping back up.Paisley-based Labour MSP Neil, slammed the UK Government, saying: "To be clear - no one wants these strikes to go ahead, not the unions, not the staff or passengers here in Renfrewshire, who will be affected."But they can be avoided: The Tory government needs to show some leadership and ensure there are meaningful talks between employers and unions to make a fair and sensible pay offer.

They must also address the cuts to safety and maintenance staff which are also driving the dispute."The West Scotland politician, Labour's