Funviralpark Rail passengers will face new travel disruptions this week as tens of thousands of workers went on strike over bitter disputes over wages, jobs and conditions.
Members of Network Rail’s Rail, Shipping and Transport Union (RMT) and 14 rail operators will go on strike twice for 48 hours on Tuesday and Friday, while drivers from the Athref Union will go on strike on Thursday.
Passengers, including those returning to work after a festive break, have been warned to expect significant disruption as only a limited number of trains will operate. We recommend that you check the departure times of the first and last trains.
Services may also be disrupted on Sunday, January 8, as striking workers return to work.
On RMT strike days, about half of the network is shut down and only about 20% of normal services are running. Running trains start later than usual and finish much earlier than usual. Services generally run from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on strike days.
Thursday’s train drivers’ strike will affect 15 operators, with some operating even fewer services, including operating “very significantly shortened” timetables.
RMT has also implemented an overtime ban on 14 train operators through Monday, which will continue to affect the level of cancellations and punctuality of some services.
Daniel Mann, Director of Industry Operations, Rail Delivery Group, said:
“This controversy will only be resolved by agreeing to the work-style reforms needed to put the industry on a sustainable footing, rather than blaming union members for losing more wages at the start of the year. .”
Athref general secretary Mick Whelan said the union “has come a long way”.
“We don’t want to go on strike, but companies pushed us into this place. No, they expect drivers at these companies to cut their actual salaries when inflation is above 14%.
“Railway companies say their hands are tied by the government, but the government that doesn’t employ us says it’s up to the company to negotiate with us. We are always happy to negotiate.” We do – we never refuse to sit at the table and talk – but these companies have offered us nothing.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch has accused the government of blocking a deal to end the long-running dispute. I am looking for suggestions for
RMT is campaigning against plans to close ticket offices, reduce staffing and shift the industry to widespread driver-only operations.
A Department of Transportation spokesperson said: The government has shown that it makes sense and is willing to facilitate the resolution of rail disputes.
“Inflation-matched wage increases for all public sector workers would cost more in the long run, exacerbating debt, accelerating inflation and costing every household an additional £1,000. Trade unions need to pull back from this strike action so we can start 2023 with an end to this toxic debate.”
Whelan added: It’s been six months since I asked for a raise for a train driver who hasn’t had one in nearly four years, and I still haven’t heard from the railroad company that employs us.
“The ball is in their court. Corporations, or this Tory government that backs them, can put an end to this controversy now by offering serious and sensible rewards. It’s up to them.” “
