London commuters are set to face significant travel disruptions this week as a new series of rail strikes are scheduled to coincide with high-profile events, including the FA Cup final, the Epsom Derby, and Beyoncé concerts.
Rail Strikes Dates and Lines Affected
Two unions, the ASLEF drivers union and the RMT transport workers union, will lead the walkouts after a pay deal was rejected by their members, who voted to continue the action. The unions also reject the government’s plans for railway ‘modernisation’ attached to the offers, such as proposals to remove ticket offices.
In a span of four days, there will be three rail strikes, with ASLEF train drivers walking out on Wednesday, May 31, and Saturday, June 3, the day of the FA Cup final and Epsom Derby. Members of the RMT union will strike on Friday, June 2. An overtime ban for ASLEF members is also being implemented for June 1.
The following lines will be impacted according to the National Rail website:
- Avanti West Coast
- C2C — June 2 only
- Chiltern Railways
- CrossCountry
- East Midlands Railway
- Great Northern
- Great Western Railway
- Greater Anglia (including Stansted Express)
- LNER
- London Northwestern Railway
- Northern Rail
- South Western Railway
- Southeastern (ASLEF days only)
- Southern (including Gatwick Express)
- Thameslink
- TransPennine Express
- West Midlands Railway
Regular services will be running on the Underground, Overground, and Elizabeth lines, but they are expected to be busier than usual.
Tube Strikes Looming
Underground workers who are RMT members voted overwhelmingly (96%) in favor of continued strike action last week. This means disruption on the tube could continue up until Christmas.
RMT members who work on the London Underground are in dispute with TfL over jobs, cuts, and attacks on pensions and working conditions. The union has extended its mandate for strike action on the London Underground for six months after the result of its ballot last week, with 96% of respondents choosing to continue walkouts. This means the RMT is likely to announce dates for fresh Tube strikes in the near future.
What to Do If You Have a Train Ticket
If you have a ticket dated for a strike day, National Rail states that you will be able to use your ticket on an alternative day.
Union and Government Stances
Mick Whelan, ASLEF’s general secretary, said the blame for the strikes lies “at the feet of the employers” and urged the government not to hinder the process of reaching a more sensible offer.
RMT general secretary, Mick Lynch, stated that the government is not allowing the Rail Delivery Group to make an improved offer and emphasized that the union’s members are determined to see the dispute through until they receive an acceptable resolution.
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport expressed disappointment that the RMT has called strikes on the same weekend as ASLEF, making travel to major events more difficult for thousands of people.
This report was published by londonworld.com.
