The RMT have announced yet another series of strikes in the months of December and January. The decision comes after industry bosses failed to propose and agree to a new deal. Nearly 50,000 rail workers are expected to walk out after Network Rail failed to improve initial offers on jobs and pay.
48-hour strikes are taking place on:
- 13-14 December
- 16-17 December
- 3-4 January
- 6-7 January
Travellers are advised to only travel if absolutely necessary as there will be severe disruption. Travellers should plan ahead as the railway will operate limited opening hours (starting later in the morning and finishing in the late afternoon) and many services will not be running.
The train strikes are taking place because train companies have not made any improvements in pay during the cost-of-living crisis. However the rail industry wants to cut costs on wages after a pandemic which left the rail industry £2 billion short.
A statement from the RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "This latest round of strikes will show how important our members are to the running of this country and will send a clear message that we want a good deal on job security, pay and conditions for our people. In the meantime, our message to the public is we are sorry to inconvenience you, but we urge you to direct your anger and frustration at the government and railway employers during this latest phase of action.”
