More than 20,000 rail workers are set to go on strike on Thursday, exacerbating the long-standing dispute over pay, jobs, and working conditions. Commuters have been advised to prepare for severe disruptions to services during the strikes.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) have scheduled walkouts on July 20, 22, and 29. Additionally, drivers from Aslef are prohibited from working overtime for the entire week. The strike action will impact various aspects of railway operations, including station workers, train managers, and catering staff across 14 train companies.
The industrial action will result in significant variations in train services nationwide, with some areas experiencing delayed or reduced train schedules, while others may have no services at all. Passengers are also likely to face disruptions in the evenings preceding and mornings following the strike days.
To minimize inconvenience, passengers are urged to check their travel plans in advance. Mick Lynch, the general secretary of the RMT, stated that the strikes would highlight the crucial role of railway staff in the functioning of the rail industry. He expressed his team’s readiness for negotiations with the train operating companies and the government, emphasizing the lack of progress in reaching a fair resolution.
On the other hand, Mick Whelan, the general secretary of Aslef, affirmed the union’s desire to resolve the dispute. Whelan noted that train drivers did not intend to inconvenience the public and had provided ample opportunities for the government and rail operators to engage in productive dialogue. He criticized the government’s attempts to undermine the industry and emphasized that the drivers would not accept such measures.
The Rail Delivery Group acknowledged that the upcoming strikes and the overtime ban would undoubtedly cause disruptions, inconveniencing daily commuters and affecting the plans of families during the summer holidays. They apologized for the inconvenience caused and encouraged passengers to check for updates before travelling. Refunds will be provided for advance tickets if the train is cancelled, delayed, or rescheduled.
London Underground passengers were also cautioned about potential disruptions due to separate industrial action by the RMT and Aslef in the coming week.
The Department for Transport called on union leaders to present the improved offers on pay and reform to their members, emphasizing that the government has been engaging with the rail unions and working towards a resolution.
As the strikes loom, both commuters and rail authorities brace themselves for the expected challenges and seek a swift resolution to the ongoing pay row, which has caused significant disruptions to the rail network in recent months.
