A string of rail strikes in the UK are lined up for the peak Christmas and New Year travel season, as the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union warns of 48-hour strikes due to disputes over pay and working conditions.
Over 40 000 RMT members across Network Rail and 14 train operating companies are expected to walk out on December 13, 14, 16, and 17, and again on January 3, 4, 6, and 7. No overtime work will happen either from December 19-January 2.
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch recently said: "After a fortnight of talks, the train operating companies had committed to making a firm offer in writing for the first time today. They cancelled the meeting at an hour's notice, and we can sense the hand of the Tory government in this as we believe that they are not allowing an offer to be made.
"I'm not the Grinch, I'm a trade union official and I'm determined to get a deal," he added.
A statement from RMT read: "Despite every effort made by our negotiators, it is clear that the government is directly interfering with our attempts to reach a settlement. The union suspended previous strike action in good faith to allow for intensive negotiations to resolve the dispute. Yet, Network Rail have failed to make an improved offer on jobs, pay and conditions for our members during the last two weeks of talks.”
PM Rishi Sunak’s official spokesperson warned: "Clearly, further strike action risks putting the future of the rail industry in jeopardy. We are continuing to call on union leaders to work with employers to come to an agreement that is fair to passengers, taxpayers and workers."
