Rail workers will go on strike for a second time this week after the union at the centre of the row accused the Transport Secretary of "wrecking" ongoing negotiations.
Members of the RMT Union at Network Rail and 13 other train operators are currently embroiled in a bitter dispute about jobs, pay and working conditions, sparking the largest industrial action in over 30 years.
Further talks were held on Wednesday between the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union, Network Rail and rail operators in a bid to prevent two more days of planned walk-outs, the PA News Agency reports.
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But there was no breakthrough, with the RMT criticising Transport Secretary Grant Shapps. It means further chaos can be expected on the country's railways tomorrow.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "Grant Shapps has wrecked these negotiations by not allowing Network Rail to withdraw their letter threatening redundancy for 2,900 of our members.
"Until the Government unshackle Network Rail and the train operating companies, it is not going to be possible for a negotiated settlement to be agreed.
"We will continue with our industrial campaign until we get a negotiated settlement that delivers job security and a pay rise for our members that deals with the escalating cost-of-living crisis."
Just 60% of trains are running today, and some operators will wind down services slightly earlier than normal tonight ahead of the next walkout on Thursday. The third and final strike of the week is planned for Saturday.
Around 40,000 members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union at Network Rail and 13 train operators are involved in the industrial action.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said the turnout at picket lines on Tuesday was "fantastic" and had exceeded expectations in the union’s campaign for job security, defending conditions and a decent pay rise.
Several Greater Manchester MPs voiced their support for the industrial action, with some joining picket lines themselves - despite a message from Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer advising them not to.
Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, said it was 'entirely right' for train workers to fight for better income and working conditions.
"I am never going to be a politician that criticises anyone fighting for their income, for their family or to pay their rent. It is entirely right to do so given the difficult times we are in right now and the cost-of-living crisis," he said.
"All we need is an agreement and Government has everything in their ability to fix this, but they are not. It is almost as if they want the controversy of these strikes to take place. Everybody should turn their anger and criticism towards the people who can fix this and avoid these strikes – and that is Government."
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