British passengers and train passengers, grab your seatbelt – a union has voted for what is likely to be the biggest rail strike in modern UK history. Nearly 40,000 railway workers across the country are likely to go on strike over labor and pay disputes.
Members of the National Union of Railway, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) took part in a vote to start a strike, with 89% of voters voting in favor (71% of the turnout). The action will affect the national rail operator Network Rail, but also 14 more regional lines, from CrossCountry and TransPennine Express to LNER and Southeastern. In other words, large areas of the UK rail network are likely to stop.
So why is the strike called? Well, the RMT mainly wants to prevent Network Rail from reducing at least 2,500 maintenance jobs, which is part of a plan to reduce £ 100 million a year. However, most railway workers have also faced wage freezes since 2020, as well as changes in the terms and conditions of their contracts. In the face of rising inflation and rising cost of living, the RMT would argue that a wage freeze actually equates to a wage cut.
Network Rail, meanwhile, says it is trying to modernize its services and save money after major losses during the pandemic.
While a strike will no doubt cause great frustration for rail users across the country, the RMT is clearly right. Also, the interruption is a bit important.
Of course, there is still the possibility that the strike will not take place at all. The RMT can simply use its voting mandate to strengthen its position in the negotiations. If there is a strike, it is likely to be in mid-June.
In other words, the British could be in chaotic months. So hopefully Network Rail and RMT will resolve their disputes before they get to that, eh?
Have you seen that this summer you can travel all over this European country for only € 9?