By Rob Gill / 25 July 2022 /
Network Rail has urged UK train passengers only to travel “if necessary” on Wednesday (27 July) as workers stage their fourth day of strike action.
An estimated 40,000 members of the RMT union are set to hold their latest 24-hour stoppage in an ongoing dispute over pay and jobs with Network Rail and 14 train operating companies.
The latest walkout comes after the RMT held three one-day strikes across the UK in June causing widespread disruption, with another two days of action planned for 18 and 20 August.
Network Rail said it planned to run around 20 per cent of normal services on 27 July with some areas having no rail services at all. The special timetable will also see trains start service later than normal, from 7.30am, and finish earlier, around 6.30pm.
Andrew Haines, Network Rail’s chief executive, said: “Despite our best efforts to find a breakthrough, I’m afraid there will be more disruption for passengers this week as the RMT seems hell-bent on continuing their political campaigning, rather than compromising and agreeing a deal for their members.
“It is frustrating to yet again ask our passengers to change their plans and only make essential journeys.”
Passengers are also being advised to expect disruption on the morning of Thursday (28 July) with a later start to services as staff return to duties.
Meanwhile, train drivers who are members of the Aslef union are due to strike on Saturday (30 July) at eight train companies in a separate pay dispute: Arriva Rail London, Chiltern Railways, Greater Anglia, Great Western, Hull Trains, LNER, Southeastern and West Midlands Trains.
Steve Montgomery, chair of the Rail Delivery Group, which represents the train operating companies, added: “We are incredibly disappointed that the RMT and Aslef leadership are continuing with this action, disrupting the summer plans of millions.
“While we will do all that we can to minimise disruption to passengers, our advice is to only travel if it is necessary, and if you are going to travel, please plan ahead.”
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that its members were “more determined than ever to secure a decent pay rise, job security and good working conditions”.
“Network Rail have not made any improvement on their previous pay offer and the train companies have not offered us anything new,” he added. “RMT will continue to negotiate in good faith but we will not be bullied or cajoled by anyone.”
No comments:
Post a Comment