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Matty Hewitt

Sunderland's away trip to Burnley could be impacted by latest rail strike

Sunderland supporters could see their journey to Burnley on April 1 impacted by RMT union strikes. The organisation, whose members are employed by 14 train operators across the UK, will strike on 16, 18 and 30 March, and 1 April.

Fortunately for the Black Cats, they're at home to Luton Town on March 18th, but Hatters supporters travelling to the Stadium of Light will be impacted.

The RMT says there will be "sustained and targeted" strike action over the next few months. RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said: "Rail employers are not being given a fresh mandate by the government to offer our members a new deal on pay, conditions and job security.

READ MORE: Luke O'Nien makes promise to Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray after opening Championship account

Tim Shoveller, Network Rail's chief negotiator, says the union's leadership had shown its "true colours by choosing politics over people".

"Thousands of employees are telling us they want the improved offer that we have tabled, an offer worth at least 9% over two years - rising to over 14% for the lowest paid, provides job security with no compulsory redundancies and 75% discounted rail travel," he added. "But instead of offering members a democratic vote with a referendum, the RMT leadership is hiding behind a sham 'consultation."

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: "Just days after denying its members a say on their own future, the RMT leadership is now trying to make them lose multiple days' wages through yet more strikes."

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