Second Train Strike Confirmed For Next Week As 40,000 Workers Strike

A huge train strike consisting of around 40,000 rail workers is set to go ahead next week, RMT has confirmed.

Following a nationwide strike earlier this month, the decision comes as unions reveal no resolution has been reached between the RMT union and Network Rail, in a long-running dispute about pay, job security and working conditions.

Thousands of workers from operators such as Transpennine Express and Northern Rail will stage a walkout next Wednesday 27th July, while workers from other Yorkshire operators such as Hull Trains will walkout as part of the Aslef union strikes on July 30th.

Credit: Photo © El Pollock (cc-by-sa/2.0)

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Strike action will take place next Wednesday as planned and our members are 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.

“In fact Network Rail have upped the ante threatening to impose compulsory redundancies and unsafe 50% cuts to maintenance work, if we did not withdraw our planned strike action.

“The train operating companies have put driver-only operations on the table along with ransacking our member’s terms and conditions.

“RMT will continue to negotiate in good faith but we will not be bullied or cajoled by anyone.

“The government need to stop their interference in this dispute so the rail employers can come to a negotiated settlement with us.”

A representative from Network Rail has spoken out, too, with Tim Shoveller, Network Rail’s lead negotiator, saying: “Once again the RMT Executive has walked away from ongoing and constructive talks that could have avoided next week’s strike.

“It’s now abundantly clear that their political campaign is taking precedence over representing their members’ interests.

“A two-year, 8% deal with a no-compulsory-redundancy guarantee and other benefits and extras was on the table and they have walked away without giving their members a voice or a choice.

“Our door remains open to try and avert this pointless action that will cost strikers dear. We will now consider how we will move forward with our reform plans despite the RMT obstinacy.”

Yorkshire will face mass disruption on the railway next Wednesday, 27th July, with further disruptions confirmed next weekend, July 30th.