Mass Strikes Shake England’s Education and Transport Sectors
Teachers and university staff in England are set to strike again, following last Wednesday’s massive walkout—one of the biggest in a decade. On Budget Day, up to half a million workers walked out, including teachers, lecturers, junior doctors, civil servants, London Underground drivers, and BBC journalists.
RMT Strikes Bring More Chaos to Rail Network
On Thursday, members of the RMT union at 14 train operators will strike over pay, job security, and working conditions. Passengers should brace for delays, with services running late starts and early finishes—usually between 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Only 40-50% of trains will operate nationwide, and some areas will see no trains at all.
Disruption could even spill into Friday morning as trains are out of place. Steve Montgomery, chair of the Rail Delivery Group, slammed the strikes:
“This latest round of strikes will be a further inconvenience to our customers, who have already faced months of disruption, and cost our people even more money when they can least afford it.”
“We also question why the RMT leadership blocked a chance to resolve this deal by refusing a vote to members, many of whom stood to gain a 13% pay rise.”
Montgomery urged passengers to check services carefully before travelling on all four strike days, including March 30 and April 1.
RMT: Government’s Refusal Fuelling Unrest
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch hit back, accusing ministers of ignoring the crisis:
“RMT members at train companies are being denied a say on their future and losing pay through unnecessary strike action.”
We call on RMT’s executive to put the Rail Delivery Group’s fair offer to a democratic vote, as was done for Network Rail workers.
“The Government refuses to let rail companies offer a new deal on pay, conditions, and jobs.”
“As a result, we will take sustained and targeted industrial action in the months ahead.”
“Ministers can settle this easily by unshackling rail companies, but their stubbornness guarantees more strikes and a disruptive overtime ban.”
“Our members are ready to fight tooth and nail for a negotiated settlement.”
