Rail unions have today announced yet another round of strikes, set to commence next month as part of ongoing disputes regarding pay, jobs, and working conditions. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) has declared that 20,000 of its members from 14 rail firms will down tools on July 20, 22, and 29.
The Government immediately a sharp counter-attack, accusing the union of intentionally coinciding their strikes with two notable international sporting events: the fourth and fifth Ashes Test and The Open golf championship. The fourth Test is being held from July 19 at Old Trafford and the Open is on the same weekend at Hoylake, on the Wirral.
The RMT claimed that the rail operators have not made any new pay proposals to end the drawn-out argument. In a statement, the RMT said: "Despite repeated declarations of our readiness to enter further discussions, neither the rail operators nor the Government have invited us to any meetings." Mick Lynch, RMT's General Secretary, voiced his concern, stating: "This latest phase of action will demonstrate to the nation just how vital railway staff are to the functioning of the rail industry.
