Disputes between trade unions and train companies in the UK have now been dragging on for well over two years, with rail workers taking action to protest poor pay and working conditions. But while train strikes are officially over for much of the UK after ASLEF negotiated a pay deal, some strikes have since been called for various services over the Christmas and holiday period.
In London ticket inspectors will strike across the capital’s bus and train networks – but that isn’t all. While RMT train managers on Avanti West Coast services called off a strike this Christmas, they’ve announced new strikes from New Year’s Eve all the way to May 2025.
As for nationwide strikes? Following the last bout of ASLEF strikes in May – which saw train drivers at 16 operators across the UK walk out over three days – no further action has been called for British train services.
Here’s everything you need to know about upcoming industrial action on the UK’s rail network.
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When are the next train strike dates?
TfL ticket inspectors will embark on two rounds of strikes, on December 12-14 and December 20-22. After that, control room staff on London’s Elizabeth line will strike on New Year’s Eve.
Avanti West Coast strikes on December 22, 23 and 29 have been called off. However, the new strikes dates are New Year’s Eve, January 2, and every Sunday between January 12 and May 25. That’s a total of 22 days across five months.
On a nationwide level, there are no future strikes planned for now.
What train lines will be affected?
London’s ticket inspector staff strikes will only take place on buses and at stations, while the Elizabeth line industrial action will only significantly impact the purple line.
Avanti West Coast services are the only ones impacted by that strike.
When ASLEF workers go on a nationwide strike, these are the lines that are typically impacted.
- Avanti West Coast
- CrossCountry
- East Midlands Railway
- Great Western Railway
- LNER
- TransPennine Express
- C2C
- Greater Anglia
- GTR (Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, Thameslink)
- Southeastern
- South Western Railway
- Chiltern Railways
- Northern Trains
- West Midlands Railway
How will rail travel be affected by the strikes?
The TfL inspector strikes are unlikely to massively impact passengers directly.
During nationwide strikes, rail travel typically comes to a standstill all over the country. You can find out more about how services are affected on the National Rail website.
Often, disruption isn’t just on the day of a strike. There is usually also an impact on services in the afternoon and evening on the day before each strike, as well as on the morning of the day after. This is because trains and drivers are out of their planned positions as a result of the strikes.
Do workers get paid when on strike?
UK law states that employers do not have to pay employees who take part in industrial action. However, some unions keep some money aside to issue strikers with ‘strike pay’ while they occupy picket lines. For example, the RMT has the National Dispute Fund, which is supported by union membership payments as well as donations from members of the public.
When will the rail strikes end?
Rail strikes will end not just when a pay deal is struck between the unions and government: the union members also have to vote to approve the deal.
Why are rail workers striking?
Avanti West Coast workers were threatening to walk out over working practices, while Unite’s ticket inspectors are protesting what they say is an ‘unacceptable pay deal’.
What’s the deal with working practices?
Due to changes in travelling habits following the pandemic, with fewer commuters and off-peak train travel, some bosses want to change previous ‘archaic’ working practices and to introduce new technology and run teams more efficiently. Unions fear this may lead to job cuts, and it’s one of the most contentious issues in the dispute.
Can I get a refund if my train is cancelled?
According to National Rail, if your train is cancelled, delayed or rescheduled due to the industrial action, you will:
• Be entitled to a change or refund from the original retailer of your ticket
• Be able to use your ticket with another train company or an alternative route if it is available
Is the Eurostar affected by the train strikes?
Eurostar has said that strikes will not affect its timetable. However, if you’re getting a connecting journey within the UK, make sure that you check whether it is still running before you leave and allow extra time when travelling to and from London on strike days.
What do rail chiefs and unions have to say about the strikes?
An RMT spokesperson said about the Avanti West Coast strikes: ‘Our members have resoundingly rejected Avanti’s latest offers in two referendums and sustained strike action is now the only way to focus management’s minds on reaching a negotiated settlement with the union.’
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said of the London ticket inspector strikes: ‘Our members keep London and its residents safe and sound on the TfL network.
‘Yet these vital workers are being undervalued and have been offered an unacceptable pay deal.
‘Unless TfL think again and come back to the table with an improved offer, London will see a fares free-for-all in the run up to Christmas.’
Are there any other strikes to be aware of?
There are indeed. Heathrow was recently hit by strikes, and lots of industrial action is taking place in airports across Europe.
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