Rail strike misery to hit Britain AGAIN as Mick Lynch announces fresh walk out next month
Strikes: RMT union's Mick Lynch has announced more rail strikes in February
Kirsty O'Connor
More rail strike misery is set to hit the UK as the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) announces fresh walk outs following months of disruption for rail passengers across Britain.
RMT Union said members at 14 train operators will strike on February 1 and 3.
The industrial action coincides with action by Aslef and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) when 100,000 civil servants and tens of thousands of teachers will strike on February 1.
The two new strike dates will affect a total of 15 train companies.
Rail strikes caused chaos at train stations across Britain in December
James Manning
Nationwide protests will also be held on February 1 over the Government’s controversial new law on strikes.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "Our negotiations will continue with the rail operators to create a package on jobs, conditions and pay that can be offered to our members."
Mick Whelan, Aslef general secretary, added: “The offer is not acceptable but we are willing to engage in further discussions with the train operating companies.
“They want to rip up our terms and conditions in return for a real-terms pay cut. It was clearly a rushed offer, made just before our meeting with the minister, and not one, it seems to me, that was designed to be accepted.”
The Royal College of Nursing has also announced further strikes on February 6 and 7 in England – unless there is a movement on pay.
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay says it is “inevitable” that strike action will have an impact on patients.
He said: “Patients will understandably be worried by the prospect of further strike action by nurses - the previous two days of nurse strikes saw around 30,000 elective procedures and outpatient appointments cancelled. It is inevitable industrial action will have an impact on patients.
RMT union strikes will take place on the same day as ASLEF walk outs
Jacob King
“I have had constructive talks with the Royal College of Nursing and other unions about the 2023/24 pay process and look forward to continuing that dialogue.”
The 15 train operators striking in February are: Avanti West Coast; Chiltern Railways; CrossCountry; East Midlands Railway; Great Western Railway; Greater Anglia; GTR Great Northern Thameslink; London North Eastern Railway; Northern Trains; Southeastern; Southern/Gatwick Express; South Western Railway (depot drivers only); SWR Island Line; TransPennine Express; and West Midlands Trains.