Rail workers will take strike action on the four days after Easter in a dispute over jobs and working practices.
Talks between Network Rail (NR) and the RMT and TSSA unions at conciliation service Acas failed to reach agreement.
TSSA supervisors and RMT maintenance workers will walk out from 6-9 April, while RMT signal staff will strike from 0600-1000 and 1800-2200 on those days.
NR said a strike would have a "severe impact", and earlier predicted most services would be cancelled.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "RMT negotiators have worked flat out to try and reach an agreement that protects rail safety, job security and working agreements in the disputes involving signalling and maintenance staff on Britain's railways.
"Despite long hours of talks, we have received nothing concrete from Network Rail that addresses the key issues."
Well, the union is right to strike. If Network Rail cannot make it safer for their employees, what can they honestly expect?
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