Nationwide Walkouts Shake England
England braces for more chaos as teachers and university staff join strike action following Wednesday’s massive walkout — one of the biggest in a decade.
On Budget Day alone, half a million workers including teachers, junior doctors, civil servants, London Underground drivers, BBC journalists, and Amazon staff hit the picket lines.
RMT Set to Shut Down Rail Services Again
RMT union members at 14 rail operators will strike Thursday amid ongoing battles over pay, jobs, and working conditions.
Passengers face disruption not just Thursday but also on March 30 and April 1. Trains will run on reduced schedules, typically from 7.30am to 6.30pm, with only 40-50% of services operating nationwide. Some areas will see zero trains.
Friday morning travel could also be hit thanks to displaced trains after the strikes.
Industry Bosses Blast Unions & Government
“This latest strike will hit customers who’ve already suffered months of disruption — and cost workers even more cash when they can least afford it,” said Steve Montgomery, Rail Delivery Group chair.
Montgomery criticised the RMT leadership for blocking a deal that could have delivered a 13% pay rise by denying members a vote.
“We’ll fight tooth and nail for a negotiated settlement,” warned Mick Lynch, RMT general secretary. “The Government’s stubborn refusal to empower rail companies is forcing more strikes and disruptive overtime bans, worsening chaos across the network.”
Lynch urged the union to put the Rail Delivery Group’s fair offer to a member vote, as was done with Network Rail staff.
Strikes to Bite Harder Unless Talks Resume
Ministers are warned to stop hoping the dispute will disappear. The RMT vows sustained industrial action over coming months if meaningful negotiation doesn’t happen.
“Our members won’t back down,” Lynch said. “They’re ready to battle for their pay, jobs, and conditions — and the Government must act now before the railway grinds to a halt.”
