Here we go again. More nationwide train strikes are planned to take place this summer, with tens of thousands of rail workers set to walk out. Travel chaos will continue across the country, with major events including the Birmingham Commonwealth Games opening ceremony on July 28 and the women’s Euro semi-final in Milton Keynes on July 27 facing serious disruption.
Workers are striking over pay and job security, calling for a pay increase in line with the cost of living and raising concerns about working conditions. While extensive talks have taken place in the last month, the dispute is at a standstill – meaning more rail strikes have been planned to take place on July 27 and 30 and August 18 and 20, as well as a London Underground strike on August 19.
On July 27, members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union at the Network Rail Network will strike, as well as TSSA union members at Avanti West Coast. That means all UK train operators are likely to be affected, with more than 40,000 workers across Network Rail set to walk out as well as the London Overground network and Elizabeth, Bakerloo and District line London Underground trains.
On July 30, the ASLEF union will strike, affecting the London Overground, Chiltern Railways, Greater Anglia, Great Western, Hull Trains, LNER, Southeastern and West Midlands Trains. On August 18 and 20, the RMT union will strike again, with all UK train operators likely to be affected.
Additionally, a London Underground strike has been announced for August 19, as the tube network’s fifth 24-hour strike this year. The RMT said the latest announcement was prompted by TfL’s ‘refusal’ to share details of a draft government proposal it received about funding of the London transport system.
Thanks to reduced staffing and services, it’s likely there will be disruption the day after each strike. People have been advised to only travel if necessary and plan ahead by checking the status of their journey on the National Rail website. If your train service is cancelled, delayed or rescheduled, you’ll be entitled to a change or refund from the original point of purchase.
As the travel chaos continues, do we know how long the strikes will last? The truth is, the unions don’t look like they’re about to back down anytime soon. Unless there’s a breakthrough in talks, as it stands, there’s no end in sight: the summer of strikes could continue for months and possibly even spill into next year.
Get up-to-date strike information from TfL here.
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