UK strikes: Month of rail chaos begins with first 48-hour action, as nursing walkout looms
Commuters are facing more travel misery this morning as a fresh strike by railway workers went ahead, with last-ditch talks failing to resolve a bitter dispute over pay, jobs and conditions.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) have walked out for 48 hours, crippling services across the country.
The stoppage is hitting 14 rail companies and Network Rail, and passengers are being urged to travel only if necessary.
Talks convened by rail minister Huw Merriman on Thursday night failed to break the deadlock.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that the minister requested further talks between the RMT and employers in order to find resolutions.
However, Network Rail employees in the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) have voted to back a deal amounting to “at least a 9 per cent increase for this year and next – or at least 11 per cent for those on lower salaries – plus job security”.
Meanwhile, nurses who held their first almost-nationwide strike have warned they will strike more often and for longer next year if their pay rise demands are not met, hospital bosses have warned.
