Train strikes UK 2022 LIVE: MORE travel misery for Brits as Saturday walkout & further rail chaos in August to go ahead | The Sun

TRAVEL misery will continue this weekend as SEVEN rail services confirm walkouts – with a slew of further strikes set for August.

It comes after Wednesday's RMT 24-hour strike caused massive travel delays to customers and ground Britain to a halt.

Tomorrow is set to bring further cancellations as Arriva Rail London, Great Western, LNER, Greater Anglia, Southeastern, Hull Trains and West Midlands Trains all confirm strike plans.

And it won't be the end of the travel chaos, as on August 13 nine rail groups will walk out over pay disagreements.

Train drivers at Chiltern, Northern and TransPennine Express have until 25 August to vote on further strike action.

It gets worse for commuters next month as two further days of rail strikes have already been announced by the RMT for 18 and 20 August.

Read our travel delays live blog below for the latest news & updates…

  • Joseph Gamp

    Statement from the Department for Transport

    Members of Aslef at seven train companies will strike on Saturday over pay, with more walkouts planned next month.

    A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "It's extremely misleading to suggest the Transport Secretary should get involved in these negotiations. His role is to protect the public purse, ensuring value for money for the hardworking people of this country.

    "As such, he's required to set the limits of taxpayer support and ultimately sign off on any deal – not to be involved in negotiating one – and his contracts with operators allow him to do precisely that.

    "The union knows full well that negotiations over pay and working practices don't happen with the Government – they happen with the employers of the people they represent.

    "We once again urge union representatives to get back round the negotiating table instead of calling further strikes which serve only to bring disruption to people across the country."

  • Joseph Gamp

    Union warns of 'summer of soldiarity' with more strikes to take place

    A union leader has warned of a "summer of solidarity" as increasing numbers of workers take industrial action amid the cost-of-living crisis.

    Simon Weller, assistant general secretary of the train drivers union Aslef, said the economy had become "imbalanced", with restrictions on pay but not on company profits or bonuses.

    He also told the PA news agency he believed it was time for Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to end his insistence of not joining talks over the rail disputes.

    He said: "We are at an impasse. There has to be discussions now involving the Secretary of State.

    "We have good relationships with train operators and we are prepared to negotiate new working practices with them.

    "But the Transport Department doesn't know what it wants. They are obsessed with issues such as payment for walking time but are not interested in areas where genuine savings could be made."

    Mr Weller said the fragmentation of the railways after privatisation was to blame for many of the inefficiencies.

    He added: "There is now a momentum across the trade union movement and we are facing a summer of solidarity.

    "Workers are saying, enough is enough. There is never any restrictions on profits or bonuses."

  • Louis Allwood

    Commonwealth Games 2022 road closures

    Birmingham closures:

    Here is an overview of roads that will be closed, others may be affected as a result of the games and closures.

    • Marathon Route – from Parade down to Woodlands Park Road and surrounding area (Saturday, July 30).
    • Alexander Stadium/ Perry Barr – Walsall Road (A34) and Aldridge Road (Thursday, July 28 and Monday, August 8).
    • Arena – King Edwards Road and Cambridge Street (Tuesday, July 26 to Sunday, August 7)
    • Edgbaston Stadium – Edgbaston Road (Thursday, July 28 to Monday, August 8)
    • Smithfield – Claybrook St, Pershore St and Skinner Lane are one-way an permit access only (Thursday, July 28 and Monday, August 8).
    • Sutton Park – All roads within Chester Road, Birmingham Road and Sutton Park triangle are closed or local access only (Friday, July 29 to Sunday, July 31).
    • University of Birmingham – No access to Vale Village or Tennis Courts without permit (Thursday, July 28 to Tuesday, August 9).
    • City Centre – Delivery restrictions on New Street and High Street between 7am and midnight during the games, road closures linked to Marathon route on Saturday, July 30.
    • Louis Allwood

      European airport to enforce flight caps from 2023

      AN AIRPORT in Europe is introducing a permanent flight cap from 2023 – and it isn’t good news for your cheap breaks.

      Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport has introduced the new cap from next year due to environmental and noise concerns.

      However, the airport is one of the biggest for connecting flights, and is the second busiest airport in Europe behind Charles de Gaulle in France.

      Brits often travel via Amsterdam for cheaper connecting flights in Europe, or to use it as a connection for long-haul journeys.

      This is because it can be a cheaper option for holidaymakers who travel from regional airports such as Manchester or Bristol, with it often more affordable to travel via Amsterdam rather than London Heathrow.

      The flight cap will only allow 440,000 flights a year to depart from the airport, down from pre-pandemic flights of 500,000 a year.

    • Louis Allwood

      Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak promise to ban strike action if elected

      Both of the Conservative parties potential leaders have committed to banning public sector strike action if elected.

      This is an effort to prevent days such as today, where Brits’ travel plans have been plunged into chaos as they are unable to use the rail.

      Critics of the policy point to strike action’s achievements, such as the weekend and minimum wage.

    • Louis Allwood

      Why are rail workers striking?

      This summer has seen a slew of strikes grind Britain to a halt, but why are workers striking?

      RMT workers are demanding pay increases of at least 7%, in line with inflation.

      This comes as the cost of living crisis sees inflation rise across the entire country.

    • Louis Allwood

      BA pilots threaten strike action

      More misery is on its way for Brits as British Airways pilots threaten strikes over pay.

      BA pilots were considering a ballot on strike action last night after bosses rejected demands for a new pay deal.

      Martin Chalk, Balpa general secretary, said: “We are in talks with British Airways and wish to persuade them that continuing deductions from our members’ pay is unwarranted.

      “We should actually be talking about pay increases given the inflationary scenario.

      “Unless BA is prepared to walk with us down that road then we will have to consult with members to consider our next actions.”

      A British Airways spokesman said: “We remain committed to continuing talks with the union.”

    • Louis Allwood

      Labour MP sacked for joining strikes

      After defying Keir Starmer’s orders and joining the RMT picket line, Sam Tarry, a Labour frontbencher, has been sacked.

      Labour are traditionally the party of trade unions.

      A Labour Party spokesperson said: “The Labour Party will always stand up for working people fighting for better pay, terms and conditions at work.

      “This isn’t about appearing on a picket line. Members of the frontbench sign up to collective responsibility. That includes media appearances being approved and speaking to agreed frontbench positions.

      “As a government in waiting, any breach of collective responsibility is taken extremely seriously and for these reasons Sam Tarry has been removed from the frontbench.”

    • Louis Allwood

      Transport for London reviewing long-term funding settlement

      Transport for London (TfL) says it is reviewing a draft proposal from the Government for a long-term funding settlement.

      TfL has been operating on a series of emergency short-term funding deals since falling into financial trouble during the pandemic.

      Andy Byford, London’s Transport Commissioner, said the long-term funding – if agreed – would provide much-needed certainty for those in the nation’s capital.

      He said: “Since keeping London moving through the darkest periods of the pandemic we have been making the case to Government that there can be no UK recovery without a London recovery and that there can be no London recovery without a properly funded transport network.

      “We are grateful for the support we have received so far, and maintain we have met every condition that has been set by Government as we have worked towards agreeing a multi-year funding settlement that would give certainty to London and to the tens of thousands of jobs across the country that are directly linked to TfL.”

    • Louis Allwood

      Could there be a general strike?

      As travel chaos continues to ravage the UK, RMT union boss Mike lynch as warned of a general strike if issues are not resolved.

      It came after Tory leadership candidate Liz Truss said she would impose strike restrictions on rail workers to keep Britain moving.

      In an impassioned speech the trade unionist said: “If these proposals become law, there will be the biggest resistance mounted by the entire trade union movement, rivalling the general strike of 1926.”

      He added that two-week rail staff walkouts may follow this year “if we don’t get the deal we need”.

    • Louis Allwood

      What to expect on Saturday

      • National rail strike planned
      • Most services will run as normal
      • No service expected on the London Overground
      • No Night Overground on Saturday 30 July or early hours of Sunday 31 July
      • Minimal or no train services on many National rail routes
      • Check National Rail Enquiries

      Drivers at nine rail companies to strike on August 13

      Aslef has announced that drivers at nine rail companies are to stage a one-day strike on Saturday August 13.

      The reason for the walkout is because firms failed to make a pay offer to help members keep pace with increases in the cost of living.

      Drivers are already set to strike this Saturday at seven companies and Aslef members at two more train operators voted overwhelmingly for industrial action.

      More strikes planned for August

      The RMT and TSSA will hold more strikes on August 18 and 20, while London Underground workers will walk out on August 19.

      Strikes are also being held on Friday by BT workers and those at exam board AQA.

      Royal Mail workers have voted to strike, while disputes are brewing over the pay of public sector workers including teachers and health employees.

      Why are rail workers striking?

      This summer has seen a slew of strikes grind Britain to a halt, but why are workers striking?

      RMT workers are demanding pay increases of at least 7%, in line with inflation.

      This comes as the cost of living crisis sees inflation rise across the entire country.

      Commonwealth Games 2022 road closures

      Birmingham closures:

      Here is an overview of roads that will be closed, others may be affected as a result of the games and closures.

      • Marathon Route – from Parade down to Woodlands Park Road and surrounding area (Saturday, July 30).
      • Alexander Stadium/ Perry Barr – Walsall Road (A34) and Aldridge Road (Thursday, July 28 and Monday, August 8).
      • Arena – King Edwards Road and Cambridge Street (Tuesday, July 26 to Sunday, August 7)
      • Edgbaston Stadium – Edgbaston Road (Thursday, July 28 to Monday, August 8)
      • Smithfield – Claybrook St, Pershore St and Skinner Lane are one-way an permit access only (Thursday, July 28 and Monday, August 8).
      • Sutton Park – All roads within Chester Road, Birmingham Road and Sutton Park triangle are closed or local access only (Friday, July 29 to Sunday, July 31).
      • University of Birmingham – No access to Vale Village or Tennis Courts without permit (Thursday, July 28 to Tuesday, August 9).
      • City Centre – Delivery restrictions on New Street and High Street between 7am and midnight during the games, road closures linked to Marathon route on Saturday, July 30.
      • henry moore

        Ryanair responds to five month walkout

        As Ryanair workers at two unions prepare for a massive five month walkout, the airline has played down cancellation fears.

        The budget carrier had this to say: “Ryanair has recently reached an agreement with the main Spanish CCOO union on pay, rosters and allowances for its Spanish cabin crew.

        “Recent strikes by USO/SITCPLA have been poorly supported with minimal effect. Ryanair has operated over 45,000 flights to/from Spain over the last three months with less than 1 per cent affected by crewing and Ryanair expects minimal (if any) disruption this winter.”

      • henry moore

        5 month Ryanair walkout to begin in August

        Things are about to get even tougher for Brits travelling on Ryanair this year.

        Two Ryanair cabin crew unions, Unión Sindical Obrera (USO) and Sitcpla, have announced a strike that is set to last five months running from 8 August to 7 January 2023.

        This comes as airline workers demand better pay and working conditions.

      • henry moore

        Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak promise to ban strike action if elected

        Both of the Conservative parties potential leaders have committed to banning public sector strike action if elected.

        This is an effort to prevent days such as today, where Brits’ travel plans have been plunged into chaos as they are unable to use the rail.

        Critics of the policy point to strike action’s achievements, such as the weekend and minimum wage.

      • henry moore

        Which rail companies are striking on Saturday?

        As the summer of strikes continues, Brits are in for more rail chaos this Saturday.

        But which rail companies will be going on strike?

        • Arriva Rail London
        • Great Western
        • LNER
        • Greater Anglia
        • Southeastern
        • Hull Trains
        • West Midlands Trains

        What to expect on Saturday

        • National rail strike planned
        • Most services will run as normal
        • No service expected on the London Overground
        • No Night Overground on Saturday 30 July or early hours of Sunday 31 July
        • Minimal or no train services on many National rail routes
        • Check National Rail Enquiries

        Railway workers on strike say nothing has changed despite three walkouts

        Railway workers on the picket line at Bristol Temple Meads station on Wednesday said there has been little movement from employers or the Government following the first three rounds of strikes.

        They said rail companies want to press ahead with driver-only trains, getting rid of guards who are otherwise known as train managers.

        Sophie, 31, who has spent five years on the railway and two as a guard, told the PA news agency: “If there’s no safety-critical person it puts passengers at risk.

        “If there is an accident or an incident, there is no qualified guard to look after passengers.”

        She said that although most passengers will only notice the guard when they are checking tickets, they have to do six months of training to learn all the details of their routes, such as platform length, access routes and signal points, as well as first aid.

        • Louis Allwood

          What to expect on Sunday 31 July

          • Most services will run as normal
          • London Overground services will return to a good service by 09:00
          • If you are travelling on London Overground before midday, plan ahead, check your travel and leave more time for your journey

          Dover delays set to last all summer

          Holidaymakers have been warned that queueing chaos at Dover could last all summer -with people reportedly waiting up to 30 hours to cross the channel.

          Families have been taking up to six hours to move just 75 metres near the ferry port this month, as delays sparked miles of summer holiday gridlock.

          One frustrated traveller, Joan, told LBC she and her disabled older sister, Gina, entered the traffic jam around 8:30am to go through the Eurotunnel last week and had moved just one mile in eight hours.

          She said: "The hard shoulder is like a public urinal now, people are trying to give their dogs exercise, we've gone through the worst heat of the day and people are running out of water."

          Now travellers hoping to head to France have been warned that there could be no end to the delays during the peak holiday period, with no one taking responsibility for the problem.

          Drivers warned roads could go into ‘meltdown’ as holiday getaway merges with train strikes

          Drivers have today been warned roads could go into "meltdown" as a perfect storm of families heading off on holidays, rail strikes and sporting events is set to spark long tail backs. 

          Congestion across the country is set to stir up travel chaos and the AA has warned drivers to beware of these worst affected roads.

          Motorists will face journey delays up and down the UK on Friday and Saturday, the AA has warned as they issued an "amber alert" for the traffic.

          Cars will build up between 11am and 3pm on both days as holidaymakers and sports fans hit Britain's motorways.

          This weekend marks the start of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the Engish Football League season, with school holidays also now underway.

          Train strikes at eight rail companies on Friday will also pile pressure onto car journeys as the ongoing pay dispute continues.

          The worst of the traffic jams are expected as sunseekers flock to the South East for the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel terminal at Folkestone.

          Top tips to avoiding chaos when flying this summer

          Plan ahead

          It may seem simple, but pre-planning can help relieve a lot of the stress associated with travel.

          Wizz advises checking in online 24 hours in advance of your flight, getting a paperless boarding pass and taking a screenshot of it, just in case you can’t get online.

          Bringing snacks is also important in case you are made to wait longer in the airport and don't want to have to pay for any food.

          Scheduling your arrival to the airport can also help, especially with trains and public transport also struggling at the moment.

          Make sure you know how you’re getting to the airport, as well as how to get to your destination after your flight.

          Finally, wearing shoes that can be easily removed to get through security quickly is a simple yet effective step to take.

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