Railway Strikes: RMT and Aslef strike again over working conditions

Train drivers and railway workers have been striking for the past few months over disputes about pay and working conditions. 

The Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (Aslef) will strike for 24 hours on Saturday, August 13 and Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) members will strike on Thursday, August 18 and Saturday, August 20 for 24 hours. 

READ MORE: RMT union members outside Shrub Hill Train Station explain why they are on strike

The strikes will affect Arriva Rail London, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Greater Anglia (including Stansted Express), Great Western, Hull Trains, LNER, London Overground, Southeastern and West Midlands Trains.

RMT Member: Kerry Byant

The railway strikes will coincide with people travelling across the country for the Premier League games on Saturday (August 13) in London, Manchester, Brighton and Birmingham.

The latest timetable was published on Tuesday (August 9) but passengers are being advised to follow the latest travel advice and check their chosen route before they set off.  

SHOWING SUPPORT: Arlo 3 and Corey

Transport for West Midlands is encouraging people to consider other modes of transport including cycling, tram, bus or walking. 

Steve Montgomery, chairman of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “We’re really disappointed that the Aslef leadership has, for the second time in as many weeks, decided to impose yet more uncertainty for passengers and businesses by disrupting passengers’ weekend plans.

RMT worker and his wife outside Worcester Shrub Hill Railway Station

“I will reiterate what I’ve previously said – I am ready and willing to talk to the leadership of Aslef today, tomorrow or indeed any time next week. They should call off next week’s action and talk to us instead. What our passengers and our staff expect is for us to talk and work out a way through this.

READ MORE: West Midlands Railway say commuters should only travel if essential

“While we will do all that we can to minimise disruption and to get passengers where they need to be, if you are going to travel on the routes affected, please plan ahead and check the latest travel advice.

RMT members outside Worcester Shrub Hlll Railway station

“Like any service or business, things do not just stand still and we must move with the times. We want to give our people a pay rise as we know everyone is feeling the pinch due to the cost-of-living rises.

“We have to find the money somewhere as we cannot continue to ask taxpayers or passengers for more, so we must modernise and adapt to changes in passenger behaviour."