Half a Million Strike on Budget Day in England
England is gripped by wave of strikes as teachers and university staff gear up for fresh walkouts following Wednesday’s massive industrial action — one of the biggest in a decade.
On Budget Day alone, up to 500,000 workers including teachers, lecturers, junior doctors, civil servants, London Underground drivers, BBC journalists, and Amazon employees took to the picket lines. Ten of thousands gathered in London to back the walkouts, hitting out at government handling of pay and conditions.
Rail Strikes Hit Hard: Millions Warned of Disruption
Thursday sees Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union members at 14 train operators walk out in a long-running dispute over pay, jobs, and workplace conditions.
- Trains will run from just 7.30am to 6.30pm, with half the usual service across the country.
- Some areas face total cancellations and chaos.
- Early Friday services risk disruption as trains will be out of position.
Passengers are urged to check travel plans carefully to avoid chaos.
Rail Chiefs Slam RMT Leadership
Steve Montgomery, chair of the Rail Delivery Group, blasted the RMT for blocking a potential deal. He said: “This latest round of strikes will be a further inconvenience to our customers, who have already endured months of disruption, and cost our people more money when they can least afford it.”
Montgomery criticised the union for not allowing members to vote on a 13% pay increase offer, warning of ongoing widespread disruption during upcoming strike days.
RMT Ready for Battle — Government Urged to Act
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch fired back, accusing ministers of inaction. He said:
“RMT members at train operating companies are being denied a say on their own future, while being forced to lose more pay through avoidable strike action.” “We urge the RMT’s executive to put Rail Delivery Group’s very fair offer to a democratic vote of their members.” “The Government can settle this dispute easily by unshackling the rail companies.” “However, its stubborn refusal means more strike action and a disruptive overtime ban are now inevitable.” “Ministers cannot sit back hoping this will go away — our members are ready to fight tooth and nail for a fair deal.”
