Rail strikes will continue to take place in the run-up to Christmas following a long-running dispute between the union and the industry.
Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) will stage a walkout on four separate dates in December due to a dispute over pay and working conditions with Network Rail and 14 train companies. It means that disruptions will likely be experienced all across the country when travel demands will be high.
According to the union, they are yet to receive an agreeable offer following talks. Union heads are arguing that any pay offer they receive should take into consideration the soaring rates of inflation as well as the rising cost of living.
Read more: All the upcoming strikes that could affect you - including rail, Royal Mail and more
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "This latest round of strikes will show how important our members are to the running of this country and will send a clear message that we want a good deal on job security, pay and conditions for our people. We have been reasonable, but it is impossible to find a negotiated settlement when the dead hand of government is presiding over these talks.
"The employers are in disarray and saying different things to different people sometimes at the same time. This whole process has become a farce that only the new Secretary of State can resolve. When I meet him later this week, I will deliver that message.
"In the meantime, our message to the public is we are sorry to inconvenience you, but we urge you to direct your anger and frustration at the government and railway employers during this latest phase of action.
"We call upon all trades unionists in Britain to take a stand and fight for better pay and conditions in their respective industries. And we will seek to coordinate strike action and demonstrations where we can.
"Working people across our class need a pay rise and we are determined to win that for our members in RMT."
The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) is also balloting more than 1,600 operation, station, control, and management staff, for strike action. The ballots will be held throughout December with the results due in just before Christmas, meaning there may be more rail disruptions come the new year.
When are the strikes taking place?
The strike dates are as follows:
- Tuesday, December 13 - RMT
- Wednesday, December 14 - RMT
- Friday, December 16 - RMT
- Saturday, December 17 - RMT
- Tuesday, January 3 - RMT
- Wednesday, January 4 - RMT
- Friday, January 6 - RMT
- Saturday, January 7 - RMT
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