DfT urges union to go back to negotiating table following “disappointing” rail strike ballot May 25, 2022 The Department for Transport (DfT) has urged the RMT union to go back to the negotiating table after a strike was announced last night following a 34-day ballot. “Strikes should always be the last resort, not the first, so it is hugely disappointing and premature that the RMT is calling for industrial action before even [...]
Fresh strikes to hit millions of commuters as railway workers vote in favour of industrial action May 25, 2022 Commuters will need to brace themselves for a new wave of strikes after members of the RMT union working in the railway industry have decided in favour of nation-wide industrial action. The RMT announced the ballot’s results, adding that 71 per cent of workers balloted took part in the vote with an 89 per cent [...]
The City View: Crossrail finally arrives May 24, 2022 Today Andy Silvester talks to Adam Tyndall, Programme Director for Connectivity at London First. They talk all things Crossrail — from the first idea of an East-West railway in the 19th century, to the funding behind the Elizabeth Line, and to the future of London’s transport system. And in other news — Shell’s AGM was [...]
UK to prioritise safety critical goods if rail strikes impact the whole network May 24, 2022 The UK will prioritise safety critical goods – including food and products needed for the energy and construction industries – if the rail strikes go ahead and disrupt the wider network. The government could be forced to reduce passenger services to make way for freight, causing significant disruption to travellers. “We will have to prioritise [...]
Number 10 hits out at rail union in threat to bring in strike busting legislation May 23, 2022 Downing Street has landed a fresh blow on the UK’s rail unions as Boris Johnson renews threats to bring in strike busting legislation. Johnson’s official spokesman told journalists today that the PM would not rule out new laws that would force a minimum number of public transport staff to still work during strikes. The legislation [...]
Rail union fires fierce warning against government’s union busting plans May 22, 2022 The UK’s largest rail union has fired a stark warning to the government over its plans to curb the effectiveness of strikes, telling Grant Shapps his plans would be met by industrial action from the entire trade union movement. Shapps, the transport secretary, is threatening the transport unions with new laws that would make it [...]
Bank Holiday chaos as Tube workers prepare to strike during Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration May 18, 2022 Londoners might need to brace for a chaotic Bank Holiday as the union RMT announced a strike for the Queen’s Jubilee. Tube workers voted in favour of a 24-hour industrial action on 3 June at Euston and Green Park stations, which are set to be packed with people attending the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The RMT [...]
Railway industry sets up contingency plans ahead of potential RMT strike May 16, 2022 The UK railway industry has set several contingency plans ahead of a potential strike by the union RMT, which could involve up to 40,000 workers. Network Rail said it had measures in place to “better understand the disruption it may cause to passengers and freight services.” The government-owned railway operator said it was working with [...]
Unions warn rail cuts could increase the risk of crashes May 4, 2022 Reported railway cuts could increase the risk of serious crashes, according to trade unions. A report published today by the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) accused Network Rail of planning to cut around 2,5000 maintenance jobs as part of a £100m annual spending reduction, leading to the loss of 2,500 jobs. According to the TUC, cutting [...]
TfL workers to vote for strike action amid pension feud April 21, 2022 Transport for London (TfL) and London Underground workers are expected to vote whether to go on strike over pension cuts. Members of the union Unite accused TfL of cutting their pensions and putting an end to the final salary scheme – which bases the amount workers receive as pension on the salary they earned when [...]