July rail strikes 'hammer blow' for sector

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) yesterday (Thursday 22 June) announced some 20,000 railway workers would down tools in July as national rail disputes regarding pay and working conditions continue.

Nicholls said: “This fresh set of rail strikes will be a hammer blow for hospitality businesses entering the peak summer season.

“Venues will have been gearing up for bumper sales as schools break up for summer holidays and major sporting events, such as the Ashes and the Open, attract thousands of fans.

“Strike disruption over the past year has already cost the hospitality sector £3.25 billion in lost sales​ and there is no doubt that figure will increase as a result of these strike days.

Negotiated solution 

“Businesses, workers and consumers all lose out and confidence in our critical transport network is taking a fatal blow.”

Union members across 14 train operating companies will participate in the strike action on Thursday 20, Saturday 22 and Saturday 29 July.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "This latest phase of action will show the country just how important railway staff are to the running of the rail industry.

"My team of negotiators and I are available 24/7 for talks with the train operating companies and Government ministers. 

"Yet quite incredibly neither party has made any attempt whatsoever to arrange any meetings or put forward a decent offer that can help us reach a negotiated solution.

Collateral damage 

"The Government continues to shackle the companies and will not allow them to put forward a package that can settle this dispute."

Lynch added RMT members voted 9-1 in favour of the new industrial action and that the union would “continue its industrial campaign” until a negotiated settlement on pay, working conditions and job security was reached.

This comes as the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF​), the train driver union, earlier this week announced an overtime ban would take place between Monday 3 and Saturday 8 July, also due to pay disputes.

Nicholls added: “It is imperative that the Government, rail companies and unions reignite negotiations and get back round the table as a matter of urgency.

“Sectors like hospitality continue to be collateral damage in this dispute and I would urge all parties to reach a resolution to avoid further damage to the economy.”