Rail strikes UK latest: August train walkout dates confirmed as Brits’ summer holiday plans are plunged into chaos

What has easyJet said about the strikes?

EasyJet has said that it plans to run all of its flights regardless of the strike, but admitted some journeys could be affected.

Earlier this month, a spokesperson said: “There could be some disruption to our flying programme to and from Malaga, Palma and Barcelona during the strike period but at this stage, easyJet plans to operate its full schedule and we would like to reassure customers that we will do everything possible to minimise any disruption.”

EasyJet strikes start tomorrow

EASYJET strikes are taking place in Spain from tomorrow, with three airports set to be affected.

Cabin crew staff are due to walk out from Friday, July 29 until Sunday, July 31.

Around 450 workers are expected to participate, as part of a continuing dispute over pay.

The strikes will affect flights at Barcelona’s El Prat airport, as well as Malaga and Palma de Mallorca.

Earlier strike action took place on the first and third weekends of the month.

General secretary of USO, the union representing the cabin crew members, Miguel Galan said of the walkouts: “The conclusion is very clear; at easyJet there is money for everything except for Spain.”

Which public transport will be affected by the Commonwealth Games?

There is no parking near the venues so public transport is crucial if you are attending anything.

Organisers have given free access to public transport for all ticket holders.

This will work anywhere within the West Midlands on the day of your event, although Lee Park Valley travel is not included.

The rail strikes will severely disrupt much of the train services but park and rides should be available instead.

 of long distance coaches set up for the Commonwealth Games.

For each venue, the Commonwealth Games website has  which you can use to avoid strike action.

Leave extra time when travelling as the events and West Midlands area will be busy.

Birmingham itself does also have a tram network called West Midlands Metro which covers from Birmingham to Wolverhampton.

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

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”.

No trains in Cornwall yesterday

As Britains rail services are once again crippled by strike action, only 1 in 5 trains are running today.

Cornwall has seemingly been hit hard by these strikes, with Great Western Rail warning that no rail services will operate on “all lines in Cornwall”.

Services should return to normal tomorrow, however, these strikes have been known to cause delays even after they are complete.

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 

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.

Disruption to train services continues

Train services will continue to be disrupted on Thursday morning following a 24-hour strike which crippled the rail network, causing travel chaos across the country.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) at Network Rail and 14 train companies walked out on Wednesday in a long-running dispute over jobs, pay and conditions.

Talks are expected to resume on Thursday but there is little sign of the deadlock being broken.

Strikes will be held on Saturday and next month by the RMT as well as members of the drivers’ union Aslef and the Transport Salaried Staffs Association.

Services will be affected on Thursday morning, threatening disruption to people travelling to Birmingham for the opening of the Commonwealth Games.