Train services across the UK have been disrupted by another day of action by the RMT union (National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers), which claims the rail operators and the Tory government are attempting to cut staffing and undermine safety on the rail network, according to Daily Record. 

On Thursday, members of the RMT union at Network Rail (NR), workers from 14 train operators, Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) union members at seven companies, and Unite members at NR went on strike. 

As The Guardian reports, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch has warned that the rail dispute could go on “indefinitely,” as the latest strike by thousands of workers caused travel misery for passengers.

Lynch denounced the government’s refusal to get involved in talks over pay, jobs, and conditions. He further warned that the UK could be brought to a standstill by a wave of strikes hitting “every sector of the economy”.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that members were now more determined than ever to protect their pensions, secure a decent pay rise, job security, and good working conditions across the transport network.

Travellers will need to arm themselves with patience. The chaos provoked by the strikes is expected to be massive in the upcoming days.

On Friday, members of the RMT and Unite working on the tube will strike, as well as Unite members on London United bus routes. On Saturday, rail workers will strike once again, together with London United bus drivers, which will affect Sunday morning train services as well.

Image: British Poles

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen