More RMT Union strikes disrupt train services across the West Midlands
Only travel by rail if 'absolutely necessary' is the advice
Last updated 18th Aug 2022
Rail passengers across the West Midlands face more travel disruption today as tens of thousands of workers stage strikes in long-running disputes over pay, jobs and conditions.
Across the country Network Rail, train companies, London Underground and buses in the capital will be hit by walkouts in the next few days, causing travel chaos for workers, holidaymakers and fans going to events, including a cricket Test match at Lords.
West Midlands Railway services will be running to a limited timetable on a limited number of routes (similar to the recent timetable on 27 July). Other routes will not be served. The company said: "As a very limited service will be in place during this time, you're advised to only travel by rail if absolutely necessary on these dates."
A limited timetable will be in operation on the following routes only. London Northwestern Railway services will not be running on other routes.
- Birmingham - Northampton - London Euston
- Birmingham - Wolverhampton - Crewe
- Lichfield - Birmingham - Bromsgrove / Redditch
Strikes will affect services until the weekend.
This will have a knock-on effect on rail services on Friday morning.
Picket lines will be mounted outside railway stations across the country.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said his union's members are more determined than ever to protect their pensions, secure a decent pay rise, job security and good working conditions.
"Network Rail have not made any improvement on their previous pay offer and the train operating companies have not offered us anything new," he said.
"Network Rail is also threatening to impose compulsory redundancies and unsafe 50% cuts to maintenance work if we did not withdraw strike action.
Network Rail chief executive Andrew Haines said: "It saddens me that we are again having to ask passengers to stay away from the railway for two days this week due to unnecessary strike action, when we should be helping them enjoy their summers.
"We have made a good and fair offer but, with the exception of our TSSA management grades who accepted the deal, our unions are refusing to let our employees have a say, and sadly that means more disruption on the rail network.