Train strikes: Christmas travel set to be hit by series of 48-hour union walkouts, RMT warn

The RMT union has announced a new series of strikes in the run up to Christmas and in the New Year.

Workers are to stage a series of 48-hour strikes in December and January in the long-running dispute over pay, jobs and conditions, the Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union said.

Over 40,000 members across Network and 14 Train Operating Companies will take strike action on December 13, 14, 16 and 17 and on January 3,4,6 and 7.

There will also be an overtime ban across the railways from December 18 until January 2, meaning the RMT will be taking industrial action for 4 weeks.

The union said this action is a result of failed talks as part of negotiations for better pay and conditions.

The RMT said train operator Network Rail was due to present their new written proposals on November 17 but did not do so.

The Rail Delivery Group, representing train operating companies, was also due to present written proposals but "without any credible explanation refused" to do so.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "This latest round of strikes will show how important our members are to the running of this country and will send a clear message that we want a good deal on job security, pay and conditions for our people.

"We have been reasonable, but it is impossible to find a negotiated settlement when the dead hand of the government is presiding over these talks.

"The employers are in disarray and saying different things to different people sometimes at the same time. This whole process has become a farce that only the new Secretary of State can resolve. When I meet him later this week, I will deliver that message.

"In the meantime, our message to the public is we are sorry to inconvenience you, but we urge you to direct your anger and frustration at the government and railway employers during this latest phase of action.

"We call upon all trades unionists in Britain to take a stand and fight for better pay and conditions in their respective industries. And we will seek to coordinate strike action and demonstrations where we can.

"Working people across our class need a pay rise and we are determined to win that for our members in RMT."

In response to the RMT strikes, the mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he is pleased that the action won’t affect the London Overground and Underground.

“We are going to be seeing some disruption.

“What’s really important though in relation to the industrial action taking part nationally is that the new Secretary of State Mark Harper sits down with the RMT, but also the privatised train operating companies to resolve any differences amicably rather than further industrial action.”