Rail Strikes Loom as Only 48 Hours Left to Save UK Journeys
The UK’s rail network is on the brink of chaos with less than 48 hours to go before strikes shut down Britain’s trains. RMT union boss Mike Lynch insists there’s still a chance to avoid disaster but says Network Rail’s offer is a joke.
“We’ve got 48 hours left and we can do some hard negotiating,” said Lynch. “We’ll be available all day and all night during that period.” But he slammed the 2% pay increase on the table as “not going to crack this nut.”
Grant Shapps Blames Union for Week of Travel Hell
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has slammed the RMT, accusing it of “punishing” millions of innocent travellers with the looming strike action starting Tuesday.
Shapps warned Brits to brace for a week of “misery” thanks to the union’s refusal to call off the walkout.
Labour Hits Back: Government “Pouring Petrol on the Fire”
Labour fired back at Shapps and Prime Minister Boris Johnson, accusing them of “pouring petrol on the fire” and deliberately trying to make the country “grind to a halt” by politicising the dispute.
More Unions Eye Strikes—Schools Could Be Next
Adding fuel to the flames, two of the UK’s biggest teaching unions warned they could join the strike wave. The National Education Union said if it doesn’t get an inflation-linked offer by Wednesday, it will push for a strike ballot.
The RMT confirmed strike dates against Network Rail and 13 train operators on Tuesday, Thursday, and next Saturday — plus action on the London Underground this Tuesday.
“Despite the best efforts of our negotiators, no viable settlements to the disputes have been created,” said Mick Lynch, RMT general secretary.
