The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) has announced that its members at 14 train operators will walk out on Saturday, causing significant service disruptions across the country. Passengers are being warned to check before they travel, with trains starting later and finishing earlier than usual. While nationally, between 40% and 50% of train services are expected to run, there will be variations across the network, with no services at all in some areas. The strike is expected to affect football fans and families travelling to and from weekend leisure events.
The RMT has already gone on strike earlier this week, and more stoppages are planned for March 30 and April 1. Despite the ongoing disruptions, the RMT has demanded an improved offer before settling the dispute, claiming that private rail companies are unable to make such offers and failing to run railways when union members are not on strike.
The RDG has claimed that the RMT leadership blocked a chance to resolve the dispute by refusing to give members a say in their own deal. It has advised passengers to check before they travel, and tickets for March 30 and April 1 can be used the day before or on Tuesday, April 4.
This latest round of strikes will inconvenience customers who have already faced months of disruption and cost rail employees more money at a time when they can least afford it, said Steve Montgomery, who chairs the Rail Delivery Group.
Meanwhile, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch has called for the government to nationalise both Avanti and TransPennine Express and stated that the private rail companies are unable to provide a decent service to passengers.
