UK train strikes: Here are date and locations

There will be a strike on October 1 by members of various railway unions in the UK. Birmingham is hosting the Conservative Party conference the day before the London Marathon.

Rail workers will be adversely affected by this action. As it is the first time the unions have struck on the same day, services will be significantly disrupted.

There will be fewer trains in some areas, with a reduced timetable suggesting just 11% of services will operate. Workers will return to work early on Sunday morning.

Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) members will hold a further strike at Cross Country on October 5, Great Western Railway on October 6, and Avanti and C2C on October 8. Additionally, wide-ranging strikes will be marked by the 5th and 8th. Timetables are being revised. Services will begin later than usual on the days following strike days.

There is a dispute between unions and the government over pay, job cuts, and terms and conditions. They say pay should be increased to reflect rising costs. In July, Network Rail offered workers an 8% raise over two years as part of a modernization plan that they must accept. The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT), which represents rail workers, says this is a "paltry sum" and a real-term pay cut.

According to the government, the railway system must be modernized and financially sustainable. During the COVID pandemic, taxpayers spent £16 billion supporting the railways. However, with passenger numbers still down by one-fifth, it says changes are necessary.

FAQ

When are the railway strikes starting?
October 1

How much did the taxpayers pay during COVID to support the railways?
16 billion pounds.