By Eric King-
A 24-hour strike is set to cause massive disruption on some of the UK’s main railway lines today, New Year’s Eve. Maritime and Transport (RMT) members are walking out in a protest that will cause delays and cancellations on South Western Railway (SWR) and CrossCountry networks.
The strike is over strong issues relating to rosters, Sunday working, and guards on trains.
The government has accused the union of causing “misery” for passengers.
Sunday’s strike will disrupt services to and from London Waterloo, the country’s busiest station. Several Londoners who rely on these routes will be forced to find alternative means of travel which will eat into their pockets on a day in which Londoners can do with all the money they can get.
Managing director of South Western, Andy Mellors, said: “We will do everything we can to keep our passengers moving during this unnecessary strike but passengers are warned to check before traveling and be prepared for queues if traveling back from the New Year’s Eve fireworks.”
CrossCountry is planning to run a reduced service between Newcastle and Edinburgh. There will not be a service between Glasgow and Aberdeen.
The RMT union plan more strikes in January on South Western, Southern, Merseyrail, Greater Anglia and Arriva Rail North.
RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “It’s the continuing failure of the train companies and their political puppet masters in government to make any attempt whatsoever to resolve the range of separate disputes over rail safety that has led us to call this further action.”
He added: “The responsibility for the disruption that will be caused lays fairly and squarely at their door.”
DISGRACEFUL
The dispute is disgraceful to both the Rail minister and those conducting the strikes. It would have made far more sense for strike organisers to have altered the timing of the strikes and held them after the new year, but they clearly intend to cause maximum disruptions. Rail minister, Paul Maynard said: “It is disgraceful that the RMT is seeking to cause misery to paying customers trying to get home to family and friends for the new year.
“Rail companies are working hard to keep passengers moving, and plan to run the majority of services, but we call on the RMT to show some decency and call off these strikes.” With storm Dylan expected to cause obstructions to Northern Ireland and parts of southern and western Scotland, as Storm Dylan arrives to bring a wet and windy end to 2017.
Maynard’s expression of disappointment is easy to say, but the Rail minister has taken no responsibility for a dispute he should be able to solve.
Forecasters have warned against the potential for “injuries and danger to life from flying debris”, as winds are expected to reach 80mph. Money always seems to be an overriding consideration over disruption to commuters, something that needs to change in the new year.