South Western Railway warn latest strike action will bring 'severe disruption'

RMT union members are walking out on July 27th, and also in August

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 15th Jul 2022
Last updated 15th Jul 2022

Train passengers in Wiltshire using South Western Railway (SWR) are warned to expect 'severe disruption' for two days later this month and also in August.

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.

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.

They'll also walkout on the 18th and 20th of August.

SWR say they're currently working on an amended timetable, but previous strike days so no trains at running through many stations, including Salisbury, Tisbury and Grateley.

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.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.