Rail Strike Set to Paralyse UK on July 27
Railway workers are gearing up for another 24-hour strike on Wednesday, July 27, over fierce disputes about pay, job security, and working conditions.
Network Rail’s Pay Offer Sparks Fury
Network Rail has offered a 4% pay rise in the first year, with a possible 4% in the second. But it comes with harsh conditions—RMT members must accept major cuts to their terms and conditions to get the full rise.
RMT union says there’s still no real pay offer or job security guarantees from the train operating companies (TOCs).
Strike Timings and Union Response
- Network Rail workers will strike from 2 a.m. to 2 a.m. on July 27.
- TOC members will strike all day from 00:01 to 23:59 on the same day.
The RMT is also consulting other unions about possible additional strike actions.
Mick Lynch Hits Out At Rail Bosses and Government
“The offer from Network Rail represents a real terms pay cut for our members,” said RMT general secretary Mick Lynch. “The paltry sum is conditional on RMT members agreeing to drastic changes in their working lives.”
“We’ve made progress on mandatory redundancies. But Network Rail is still trying to make our members poorer, despite the fact that we have won more than double what they are offering with other rail operators in some cases.”
“The train operating companies remain obstinate, refusing to make any new offer that addresses job security and pay.”
“Strike action is the only option we have to make both the rail industry and the government understand this dispute will last as long as it takes—until a negotiated settlement is reached.”
Lynch appealed to the public, saying the strike’s disruption “must be understood as the result of government shackling of Network Rail and the TOCs.”
The union remains 1 to further talks, but warns the rail network will be shut down for a full 24 hours if no deal is struck.
