RAIL STRIKES OVER EITHER SIDE OF XMAS
Union blames rail bosses for impending misery
TRAVELLERS face train chaos in the run-up to Christmas due to a new wave of strike action.
RMT union staff will walk out in four 48-hour actions – on December 13 and 14, 16 and 17, January 3 and 4, 6 and 7. They also will not do overtime from December 18 to January 2.
The planned protests by 40,000 workers across Network Rail and 14 train companies in the six-month dispute is the latest blow in Britain’s Winter of Discontent.
The RMT, which called off three days of strike action this month, accuses the Government of not letting the rail operating firms table a new offer over pay and conditions.
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said the employers were in “disarray” and the process had become a “farce”. He said he plans to confront Transport Secretary Mark Harper this week.
He said: “Our message to the public is we are sorry to inconvenience you, but we urge you to direct your anger and frustration at the Government and the railway employers during this latest action.”
Railways have been battered by strikes since May. The RMT has a fresh six-month mandate so walkouts could go on until May next year.
ASLEF staff at 12 firms – including Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway and Southeastern – will strike on Saturday.
Tory MP Greg Smith, who is on the parliamentary Transport Committee, called the RMT irresponsible, saying the strikes would cut off an enormous amount of trade when people really need it and jeopardise rail jobs.
Network Rail’s Tim Shoveller said: “Only through reform, that will not result in anyone losing their job, can savings be made that can then be converted into an improved offer.
“While progress has been made over these last two weeks, we still have yet to find that breakthrough.”