Starting this weekend and into next week, British railways will be hit with a fresh set of strike action. Initially, these strikes were pencilled in for September 15 and 17, but after the Queen’s death on September 8, the plans were called off.
Now, new dates have been set for the strike action to take place – with three unions, RMT, TSSA and Aslef, taking part in the strikes.
When are the rail strikes?
In total, there will be three days of strikes in this latest wave. The RMT, Aslef and TSSA are all striking on October 1. Aslef also plan to walk out on October 5, with another RMT strike penned in for October 8.
Why are there rail strikes?
The RMT are holding two days of strikes (October 1 and 8) over wages and proposed changes to working conditions, which is also why TSSA are striking on October 1. Aslef are striking over pay across their two days of action (October 1 and 5).
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “Transport workers are joining a wave of strike action on October 1st, sending a clear message to the government and employers that working people will not accept continued attacks on pay and working conditions at a time when big business profits are at an all-time high.
“The Summer of Solidarity we have seen will continue into the Autumn and Winter if employers and the government continue to refuse workers reasonable demands.
“We want a settlement to these disputes where our members and their families can get a square deal. And we will not rest until we get a satisfactory outcome.”
Which operators are involved in the strikes?
- RMT Union members Walkout (October 1 and 8): Chiltern Railways; Cross Country Trains; Greater Anglia; LNER; East Midlands Railway; c2c; Great Western Railway; Great Western Railway; Hull Trains; Northern Trains; South Eastern; South Western; RailwayTranspennine Express; Avanti West Coat; West Midlands Trains; and GTR.
- Aslef Union members Walkout (October 1 and 5): Avanti West Coast; Chiltern Railways; CrossCountry; Greater Anglia; Great Western Railway; Hull Trains; LNER; London Overground; Northern Trains; Southeastern; TransPennine Express; and West Midlands Trains.
Lines affected by the TSSA strike on October 1 are still yet to be announced, and Network Rail will also be affected on October 8.
Is there a Tube strike?
Most TfL lines are expected to run on the day of these strikes, though some disruption could be seen at stations that also run trains affecting strike action.
Are there more strikes planned?
There are no strikes pencilled in, though it is likely a London Underground strike could be on the way later this amid rows over pay between TfL and the RMT.
This a developing story, and further information will be added to this article as it is released.