BANK Holiday travellers are being warned to plan ahead in case last-ditch negotiations to avoid a rail strike are unsuccessful.

The RMT union has called a 24-hour strike for rail staff, starting at 5pm on Monday, which threatens major disruption to Essex services.

Negotiations between Network Rail and the union could continue into the weekend in an attempt to resolve the pay dispute, but passengers are being warned to prepare for the worse.

Network Rail chief executive Mark Carne said: “We are continuing to talk with the unions and we believe there is a settlement to be had.

“I sincerely hope we can reach one and my team will be available all week, and into the weekend if necessary, to find a deal to prevent strike action.

“From the very start of negotiations we made clear that we want to reward our staff for the incredible job they do – but that any pay rise needs to be linked to smarter, more effective ways of working.”

A pay deal giving workers a £500 lump sum this year, followed by a rise in line with inflation in 2016, 2017 and 2018, was rejected by the RMT.

Mr Carne said: “We can't bank on the unions calling off the strike, so we are now concluding our contingency plans so passengers can make decisions about their journeys.

“If the strike goes ahead, it’s important that people check before travelling and are aware of the special measures put in place by train operators for people who have already booked tickets.”

Both Greater Anglia and c2c are in discussions with Network Rail about the level of service they would be able to provide.

Network Rail plans to publish exact details tomorrow afternoon.