The 'biggest rail strike' the UK has faced in 30 years will begin today.
The Rail, Transport and Maritime Union (RMT) confirmed that more than 40,000 union members will walk out after talks about pay broke down. The strike means that members of RMT at Network Rail and 13 train operators will walk out on June 21, 23 and 25.
The RMT are striking over a dispute in pay, job cuts and working conditions. The union would like to see its members receive a pay increase that reflects the rising cost of living.
READ MORE: Rail strikes: How this week's walk-outs will impact Merseyside
Discussing failed talks, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "Railway workers voted overwhelmingly for strike action in defence of their jobs and for a pay rise that deals with the rising cost of living. It is insulting to them to suggest they do not understand the issues that affect their daily lives or cannot make a democratic decision by themselves.
"We already have the most restrictive anti-democratic trade union laws in Western Europe and if the government attempts to reduce our rights further, the RMT along with the rest of the trade union movement will mount the fiercest resistance possible."
Merseyrail announced that train services will not run on strike days. There will be no rail replacement buses provided, leaving commuters to find alternative transport.
Merseyrail expect that the strike action will have a knock on affect on its services on June 22 and 24. Rail replacement buses will be in operation until 7.00am when a normal service will resume.
Many other parts of the UK will have no rail services at all including Chester and Blackpool. In London, tube workers will walk out June 21, threatening widespread travel chaos in the capital.
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