South Western Railway warn latest strike action will bring 'severe disruption'
Members of the RMT union are walking out again on July 27th
Train passengers in Dorset using South Western Railway (SWR) are warned to expect 'severe disruption' later this month.
Industrial action is planned by members of the RMT union on Wednesday 27th July, but the operator say they're also likely to see reduced services run on Thursday 28th July as well.
Members of the RMT union at more than a dozen companies will also walk out on the 18th and 20th August in the ongoing row over pay, jobs and conditions.
That's due to the knock-on effect of staff and trains being in different places, as well as signallers and engineers starting work later after the strike day.
SWR say they're currently working on an amended timetable, but previous strike days so no trains at running through many stations, including Weymouth and Dorchester.
Customers are already being urged to consider alternative travel arrangement on July 27th and 28th as a result.
SWR’s Managing Director Claire Mann said:
“It is bitterly disappointing that the RMT has announced this latest strike date. We know how damaging and disruptive industrial action can be, and I’m sorry to all those who’s plans will be disrupted by this damaging strike.
“We are working hard to finalise a contingency timetable, but we expect we’ll have no choice but to close significant parts of our network on Wednesday 27th July, with severe disruption expected on the following day.
“That’s why we’re urging customers who are planning to use our services on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 July to begin making alternative arrangements."
More details about trains running on the strike day will be put onto the SWR website.