New Round of Train Strikes Set to Begin
Both the RMT and ASLEF unions resuming industrial action
RMT one of the unions participating in the strike action
May 5, 2023
A new round of strikes on the train network are set to begin later this month.
Both the RMT and the ASLEF unions have announced further strike dates.
Friday 12 May - ASLEF
Saturday 13 May - RMT
Wednesday 31 May - ASLEF
Saturday 3 June - ASLEF
RMT members were reballoted on strike action with the results announced on Thursday (4 May) showing overwhelming support among members for continued industrial action over pay, job cuts and changes to terms and conditions. This gives the union a mandate to hold strikes for another six months.
RMT strikes will affect 14 train operating companies including South Western Railway and Great Western railway.
However, unlike in the previous round of industrial action, RMT members working for Network Rail will not be participating having reached a settlement meaning that there will be no knock on effect on sections of London Underground and London Overground.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said, “It is clear from these results that members are not prepared to accept a pay offer based on mass job cuts and major attacks on their terms and conditions.
“This sends a clear message to the employers that the huge anger amongst rail workers is very real and they need to recognise that fact, face reality and make improved proposals.
“They need to get around the table with RMT and negotiate in good faith for a better deal for rail workers.”
The Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents the 14 train companies has offered a backdated pay rise of 5% for last year with the settlement for the current year dependent on reforms to be negotiated with individual operators.
The ASLEF union, meanwhile, has rejected a two-year offer for drivers of a backdated pay rise of 4% for 2022 and a 4% increase this year.
ASLEF has also imposed an overtime ban across 15 train operators between 15 and 20 May inclusive, as well as on 13 May and 1 June which may lead to short-notice cancellations with wide regional variations.
Although South Western Railway will be affected by strikes called by ASLEF, most drivers at that company are members of the RMT with mainly depot drivers with ASLEF. This means that, although services may be disrupted, it will be possible for many trains to run. Companies like Great Western mainly have drivers who are members of ASLEF meaning that it services will be severely disrupted, if not totally cancelled, on that union’s strike days.
The strikes on 13 May will affect people travelling to the Eurovision Song Contest Final in Liverpool and the strike on 3 June is on the day of the FA Cup Final when fans of Manchester United and Manchester City will need to travel to Wembley.
It is likely that evening services on some lines will be affected on the days before and after each strike, so passengers should also check the last train times on the evenings before strike days and the mornings following strikes.
Steve Montgomery, chair of the Rail Delivery Group, said, "The upcoming rail strikes called by the ASLEF and RMT leadership will not only affect our passengers' daily commute but will also impact those travelling from outside Liverpool and London to come to Eurovision and the FA Cup final, causing disappointment and frustration for those who have planned to attend. It will also further burden our people who have already lost thousands of pounds at a time of financial strain.
“We understand the impact of these strikes on individuals and businesses alike, and we can only apologise for this unnecessary and damaging disruption. While we are doing all we can to keep trains running, unfortunately there will be reduced train services across the network between Friday 12 May and Saturday 3 June, so our advice is to check before you travel. Passengers with Advance tickets can be refunded fee-free if the train that the ticket is booked for is cancelled, delayed or rescheduled.”
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