CELEBRATIONS for Cunard's 175th anniversary are to be hit by planned national rail strikes on Bank Holiday Monday.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union have voted to walk-out for 24 hours from 5pm that afternoon, in a row over pay and conditions.

Black cab drivers are also poised to stage a demonstration in the city on the same day.

The move will cause chaos for thousands of people visiting Merseyside to watch all three Cunard flagship cruiser liners – the Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria – who will sail along the Mersey together on Monday.

Merseyrail said it is putting together contingency plans following news of the strike.

In a statement, it said: "We are currently working with Network Rail to assess the level of service we may be able to deliver in the event of the strike taking place and will provide updates later this week.

"The travel information and advice for the Three Queens visit and all other events on the Bank Holiday Monday may be revised.

"Please ensure you visit this website www.merseyrail.org regularly for updates on train services and www.merseytravel.gov.uk for other public transport information."

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: "Our members have decisively rejected the pay package offered by Network Rail and the failure of the company to make any moves whatsoever in light of the overwhelming vote in the ballot has left us with no option but to move to a rolling programme of industrial action. 

"We have a massive mandate for action which shows the anger of safety-critical staff across the rail network at attacks on their standards of living and their job security.

"It is appalling that NR are refusing point blank to take this dispute seriously, to understand the deep-seated grievance felt by their staff and to come forward with a renewed offer which protects pay, jobs and safety. 

"We have made it clear that as far as RMT Is concerned the one off, non-consolidated, lump-sum payment this year is wholly inadequate and fails to recognise the massive pressures staff are working under to keep services running safely at a time when the company is generating profits of £1 billion.

"It is our members battling to keep Britain moving around the clock and they deserve a fair share from Network Rail for their incredible efforts."

"RMT remains available for talks and we hope that the company will appreciate the anger amongst staff at the current offer on pay and conditions from Network Rail and that they will agree to our call to come back to the table with an improved package.

"We expect rock solid support for this action and will be taking a new campaign to the public under the banner."