COMMUTERS are warned that national rail strikes will be taking place this month which RMT has said will "shut down the country's rail network" for three days.

The strikes are set to happen on June 21, 23 and 25 and are in objection to pay freezes amid the current cost of living crisis. 

Worcestershire commuters who use Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains will be affected.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Trains said: "West Midlands Railway will be running a reduced timetable on the affected days.

"This is currently being finalised and will be published as soon as possible."

Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) general secretary Mick Lynch said: "Railway workers have been treated appallingly and despite our best efforts in negotiations, the rail industry with the support of the government has failed to take their concerns seriously.

"We have a cost-of-living crisis, and it is unacceptable for railway workers to either lose their jobs or face another year of a pay freeze when inflation is at 11.1pc and rising.

"Our union will now embark on a sustained campaign of industrial action which will shut down the railway system.

"Rail companies are making at least £500m a year in profits, whilst fat cat rail bosses have been paid millions during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"This unfairness is fuelling our member's anger and their determination to win a fair settlement.

"RMT is open to meaningful negotiations with rail bosses and ministers, but they will need to come up with new proposals to prevent months of disruption on our railways."

Great Western Railway managing director Mark Hopwood said: “We would very much welcome the opportunity to continue to talk with the RMT to avert strike action.

"Any strike will impact on customers’ journeys and can only damage the post-covid recovery everyone at GWR has been working to win back, while at the same time making it more difficult to deliver the changes we need to secure jobs and services for the future. 

“I’m hopeful the RMT will step back, however colleagues have been working hard to put contingency plans in place and give certainty to customers who need to travel.

"The priority will be to keep trains running and customers moving safely, but changes will be needed to allow that to happen and customers may wish to alter their plans.”