The UK is bracing itself for more travel disruption that is looking to extend into the new year, with more train strikes announced for December and January.
It was thought that December’s rail strikes could be called off after the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) held talks with the RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers).
However, RMT boss Mick Lynch announced last night that he had rejected the RDG’s offer of a 4% pay rise for 2022 and 2023 ‘as it does not meet any of our criteria for securing a settlement on long term job security, a decent pay rise and protecting working conditions.’
So, when can you expect the round of strike action to take place?
Here’s everything you need to know.
When are the next train strikes?
RMT rail workers across the country will next walkout on December 13.
This is likely to affect most rail companies across Britain.
An overtime ban will also be in place from 18 December until 2 January, meaning disruption will be possible for a period of four weeks.
RMT Secretary Mick Lynch has said of the latest action: ‘This latest round of strikes will show how important our members are to the running of this country and will send a clear message that we want a good deal on job security, pay and conditions for our people.
‘We have been reasonable, but it is impossible to find a negotiated settlement when the dead hand of government is presiding over these talks.’
He went on to apologise to the public for the inconvenience and urged ‘all trades unionists in Britain to take a stand and fight for better pay and conditions in their respective industries.’
Which rail companies will be affected by the strikes?
The strikes on December 13, 14, 16 and 17 and January 3, 4, 6 and 7 are national rail strikes, meaning there will be little or no services running across all rail companies nationwide.
However, there are also localised rail strikes happening across December.
On Sunday December 11 and Monday December 12 action by the RMT union will only affect Avanti West Coast services.
On Friday December 23 and Saturday December 24 action by the Unite union will affect only East Midlands Railway services.
Why are the strikes happening?
Rail unions are in an ongoing dispute with the government and rail companies about pay, job cuts, and changes to terms and conditions – with a settlement between parties yet to be reached.
Unions say that their members’ salaries don’t reflect the rising cost of living.
RMT union general secretary Mick Lynch explained: ‘Some of our members on the train operating companies are some of the lowest paid on the railways.
‘This stands in stark contrast to rail operating company bosses making millions of pounds in profit. We remain open to meaningful talks, but we are steadfast in our industrial campaign to see a negotiated settlement for all our members in this dispute.’
Mr Lynch also added recently: ‘Our focus in this dispute is the rail employers who have yet to make an offer that will create the conditions for a negotiated settlement.
‘I call upon the new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to unshackle the rail industry so they can come to a settlement with RMT. We will vigorously pursue our industrial campaign until we achieve a deal.’
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