Strikes paralyse GB rail network in June as travellers opt for other transport modes
A FULL week of rail disruption took place in June when three full days of strikes were called by the RMT union on June 21, 23 and 25. A strike on London Underground on June 21 compounded the difficulties for potential rail travellers. Negotiations between the union and Network Rail became increasingly acrimonious, while separate discussions with ScotRail, which had initially appeared to be progressing well, also faltered. At the time of going to press, the Government had refused to get directly involved, but had issued statements which some saw as inflammatory (see Comment, p4). So far public sentiment appears to be largely supportive of rail staff, part of an increasing number of workers, from airline staff to barristers, who are threatening to take industrial action this summer. Due to lack of signalling staff, some lines saw no trains at all on strike days, while major routes saw very limited services run. Travellers generally heeded advice to use alternative means of transport or travel on other days. Further rail strikes could be called during the summer.