The action will see more than 40,000 workers across the rail network and 14 train operating companies walk out. The RMT is also planning a 24-hour strike on July 27. General secretary Mick Lynch said: “The rail industry and government need to understand that this dispute will not just go away. “They need to get serious about delivering a pay offer that helps tackle the cost of living crisis, job security for our members and provides good working conditions. “We remain open to talks, but we will continue our campaign until we reach a negotiated settlement.” Andrew Haines, chief executive of Network Rail, said: “By announcing yet more strike dates, the RMT has dropped any pretense that a deal has been reached. “It is clear that the interests of our passengers and staff are second to the political campaigning of the union bosses.” The companies taking part in the RMT strikes are: Network Rail, Chiltern Railways, Cross Country Trains, Greater Anglia, LNER, East Midlands Railway, c2c, Great Western Railway, Northern Trains, South Eastern, South Western Railway, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast , West Midlands and GTR trains (including Gatwick Express). Earlier, drivers from the Aslef union – who work for eight rail companies – announced they would strike on July 30. Mick Whelan, Aslef general secretary, said: “We don’t want to go on strike – strikes are the result of failed negotiations – and this union, since I was elected general secretary in 2011, has only ever gone on strike. until this year, for a handful of days. “We don’t want to inconvenience passengers – mainly because our friends and families also use public transport, and we believe in building trust in rail in Britain – and we don’t want to lose money by going on strike. “But we have been forced into this position by the train companies, led by the Tory government. Aslef members in eight companies – Arriva Rail London. Chiltern Railways; Greater Anglia; Great Western; Hull Trains? LNER; Southeastern; and West Midlands Trains – will join the strike action. Read more: Network Rail makes new pay offer to workers after strikes, but RMT union calls it a ‘real terms pay cut’ However, Mr Whelan said drivers in Greater Anglia will also strike on Saturday July 23 and drivers on Hull trains will also strike on Saturday July 16 and Saturday July 23. Further ballots close at Avanti West Coast and CrossCountry on Wednesday 27 July. and on the northern trains. TransPennine Express; and Transport for Wales on Thursday August 25, he added. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “It is incredibly disappointing that, just three days after their ballots closed, Aslef bosses have already opted for devastating strike action, rather than engaging in constructive talks. “Not only that, but by seemingly coordinating strike dates around the Commonwealth Games, it’s clear that union bosses are determined to cause as much misery as possible and derail an event the whole country is looking forward to.
