Rail strikes UK latest: August train walkout dates confirmed as Brits’ summer holiday plans are plunged into chaos
- Ryanair strikes: Key routes affected?
- How to get a Ryanair flight refund?
- When do rail strikes finish?
BRITS will endure more travel misery this month as RMT workers confirm an additional THREE strike dates for August.
As the unions continue their disputes for better pay and working conditions, many Brits could see their summer holiday plans scuppered.
Strikes are set to go ahead on August 13, August 18 and August 20, threatening to plunge the UK's rails into lockdown.
This news comes just days after SEVEN rail companies shutdown most of Britain's rail services, leaving the roads filled with traffic.
More summer holiday woes could also be on the way, with EasyJet pilots in Spain set to strike for nine days during August.
Meanwhile, on Sunday Avanti West Coast warned passengers that drivers are going on “unofficial strike”.
The operator urged customers to check timetables “until further notice” and warned the disruption would likely lead to further travel misery and disruptions.
Read our travel delays live blog below for the latest news & updates...
Check the airport advice before travelling
Depending on the airport you are travelling to, different advice is being given about how early to arrive.
Most UK airports are advising holidaymakers to arrive three hours before check in.
However, last-minute problems such as baggage delays are causing issues too - some airports are letting travellers drop their suitcases the night before to avoid the early morning queues.
You should also check how you are getting to the airport, after a number of rail strikes - and consider getting an airport hotel the night before.
How to apply for refunds on train tickets
If you were one of the many affected by yesterdays strikes you can apply for a refund on tickets from Southeastern.
Tickets that were unused can be refunded if successful after application.
Which train companies are part of RMT
With more strikes coming this August, it will be important to know which rail services are striking.
So, here is a list of the train companies associated with RMT.
The RMT strike companies are:
- Network Rail
- Avanti West Coast
- c2c
- Chiltern Railways
- Cross Country Trains
- East Midlands Railway
- Great Western Railway
- Greater Anglia
- GTR (including Gatwick Express)
- LNER
- Northern Trains
- South Eastern
- South Western Railway
- Transpennine Express
- West Midlands Trains
Could there be a general strike?
In the last week rail workers, pilots and BT employees have all downed tools in the aim of gaining higher wages and better working conditions.
In the next week, postal workers will also reveal if strikes are incoming, so, could we be in for a general strike?
The last time a general strike occurred was in 1926, and it is described as "the stoppage of work by a substantial proportion of workers in a number of industries in an organised endeavour to achieve economic or political objectives";.
However, as things stand, a general strike is very unlikely.
Only RMT boss Mike Lynch has suggested on could happen, in response to Liz Truss' plans to ban striking, but he is only in charge of 80,000 workers.
EasyJet pilot strike to cause chaos for Brits' summer holiday plans
EasyJet pilots based in Spain are set to strike for nine days in August, as they demand better pay and working conditions.
"We are disappointed with this action at this critical time for the industry," the airline said in response to the strike action.
This news is likely to cause chaos for Brits as they look to jet off for their summer holidays.
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.
Strikes to expect in August
Rail strikes are likely to carry on affecting Brits for the coming month, with RMT planning action on these dates:
- August 13
- August 18
- August 20
Union baron calls Shapps a liar regarding negotiations
The Aslef union has called the Transport Secretary a “liar” regarding rail negotiations.
Grant Shapps had written in The Times: “The ‘two Micks’, Lynch of the RMT and Whelan of Aslef, are taking the taxpayer for a ride, but not in the way they are meant to.
“RMT is stalling on reform and Aslef is dragging its feet in negotiations while both call more strikes. Enough.”
Guardian Online reports that Whelan replied:
“I say Mr Shapps is lying, quite simply, quite clearly.
“We’re not dragging our feet in negotiations, we negotiate with 14 private companies, we do not work for the government or the DfT [Department for Transport].”
“I would like Mr Shapps to get us out of this catch-22 situation that he misrepresents at every opportunity.”
EasyJet pilot strike to cause chaos for Brits’ summer holiday plans
EasyJet pilots based in Spain are set to strike for nine days in August, as they demand better pay and working conditions.
“We are disappointed with this action at this critical time for the industry,” the airline said in response to the strike action.
This news is likely to cause chaos for Brits as they look to jet off for their summer holidays.
Flight disruption to come
Ryanair flight attendants have staged walkouts throughout July and are now planning five more months of strike action.
The budget airline’s walkouts will start from August 8, and run every week until January 7.
Ten Spanish airports will be affected, including Madrid, Malaga, Barcelona, Alicante, Sevilla, Palma, Valencia, Girona, Santiago de Compostela and Ibiza.
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.
What can Brits expect today?
- 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
Man arrested for ‘murder’ at train station
A MAN has been arrested for murder at a train station after a passenger was attacked on a platform.
Cops rushed to Reading Train Station to find the man injured on platform eight shortly before midnight last night.
The victim later died in hospital in Berkshire.
Another man - whose age has not been confirmed - was arrested for murder.
The two men are understood to have had an altercation on the train before the victim was attacked on the platform.
Thames Valley Police have urged anyone with information to come forward.
Make sure your travel insurance covers you
While Brits have their GHIC or EHIC cards, it is vital to have travel insurance as well, even if only going to Europe.
Travel insurance is needed for a number of issues out of your control such as being stranded if your flight is cancelled or your airline loses your luggage.
Not only that, but any large medical bills won't be covered unless you have travel insurance, as long as the policy includes it.
Here are the nine things travel insurance WON'T cover you for.
Severe delays on the Central Line
TFL have stated that their is severe delays on the Central Line today due to train cancellations.
They said: "Service is operating to all destinations at a reduced frequency due to train cancellations.
"If no through service is shown, take the first train and change if necessary.
"Tickets are being accepted on London Buses.
"Trains operating as follows: West Ruislip - North Acton, every 20 min. Hainault - Ealing Broadway via Newbury Park, every 10 min. Epping - Leytonstone, every 20 min. Hainault - Woodford via Grange Hill, every 30 min."
Strikes to expect in August
Rail strikes are likely to carry on affecting Brits for the coming month, with RMT planning action on these dates:
- August 13
- August 18
- August 20
Top tip - Travel with just hand luggage
If you can avoid checking your luggage, this can also make you holiday much easier if you can abide by the liquid rules.
This means you can go straight to security if you have printed out your boarding pass online.
It also means, if you have any connections, it is less likely to get lost somewhere between flights.
Just make sure you are at the front of the queue for your flight if you do, as some airlines have limited space in the overhead lockers.
Here are some of our top tips for travelling with hand luggage only.
Check the airport advice before travelling
Depending on the airport you are travelling to, different advice is being given about how early to arrive.
Most UK airports are advising holidaymakers to arrive three hours before check in.
However, last-minute problems such as baggage delays are causing issues too - some airports are letting travellers drop their suitcases the night before to avoid the early morning queues.
You should also check how you are getting to the airport, after a number of rail strikes - and consider getting an airport hotel the night before.
How to apply for refunds on train tickets
If you were one of the many affected by yesterdays strikes you can apply for a refund on tickets from Southeastern.
Tickets that were unused can be refunded if successful after application.
Which train companies are part of RMT
With more strikes coming this August, it will be important to know which rail services are striking.
So, here is a list of the train companies associated with RMT.
The RMT strike companies are:
- Network Rail
- Avanti West Coast
- c2c
- Chiltern Railways
- Cross Country Trains
- East Midlands Railway
- Great Western Railway
- Greater Anglia
- GTR (including Gatwick Express)
- LNER
- Northern Trains
- South Eastern
- South Western Railway
- Transpennine Express
- West Midlands Trains
Strikes to expect in August
Rail strikes are likely to carry on affecting Brits for the coming month, with RMT planning action on these dates:
- August 13
- August 18
- August 20
Union boss accuses Shapps of lying regarding negotiations
The Aslef union has called the Transport Secretary a “liar” regarding rail negotiations.
Grant Shapps had written in The Times: “The ‘two Micks’, Lynch of the RMT and Whelan of Aslef, are taking the taxpayer for a ride, but not in the way they are meant to.
“RMT is stalling on reform and Aslef is dragging its feet in negotiations while both call more strikes. Enough.”
Guardian Online reports that Whelan replied:
“I say Mr Shapps is lying, quite simply, quite clearly.
“We’re not dragging our feet in negotiations, we negotiate with 14 private companies, we do not work for the government or the DfT [Department for Transport].”
“I would like Mr Shapps to get us out of this catch-22 situation that he misrepresents at every opportunity.”
Great Western Rail continues to face delays
As the effects of yesterday's strike action continue to impact Brits, GWR has warned against travelling today.
More strikes are expected to take place this month.
The current dates set out by RMT are August 13, 18 and 20.
Britain and France agree plan to thwart border CHAOS
Plans have been put in place by Britain and France to thwart border chaos and “maximise passenger flows”.
Sky News reports that weekly meetings will aim to prevent extra disruption on both sides of the Channel.
Roughly 140,000 passengers are anticipated to pass through the Port of Dover between Thursday and Sunday this week, as well as 45,000 cars and 18,000 freight vehicles.
Could there be a general strike?
In the last week rail workers, pilots and BT employees have all downed tools in the aim of gaining higher wages and better working conditions.
In the next week, postal workers will also reveal if strikes are incoming, so, could we be in for a general strike?
The last time a general strike occurred was in 1926, and it is described as "the stoppage of work by a substantial proportion of workers in a number of industries in an organised endeavour to achieve economic or political objectives".
However, as things stand, a general strike is very unlikely.
Only RMT boss Mike Lynch has suggested on could happen, in response to Liz Truss' plans to ban striking, but he is only in charge of 80,000 workers.