UK strikes: Month of rail chaos begins with first 48-hour action, as nursing walkout looms
Rail travellers face more pre-Christmas misery this weekend, with last-ditch talks failing to avert a 48-hour RMT Union strike.
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) have walked out for 48 hours from 16 to 17 December, 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”.
One what is usually a popular weekend for Christmas parties and travel to visit loved ones, many UK travellers are having to plan alternative journeys around the strikes, which continue from 24 to 27 December.
