More than 40,000 workers from Network Rail and fourteen train operating companies will participate in the strike.

The RMT union has announced two further days of train strikes on August 18 and 20 over jobs, pay, and working conditions.

More than 40,000 workers from Network Rail and fourteen train operating companies will participate in the strike.

This is in addition to the RMT’s 24-hour strike on July 27.

Mick Lynch, the general secretary, stated, “The train industry and the government must recognize that this conflict will not go overnight.”

“They must present a meaningful offer on a salary that addresses the cost-of-living crisis, ensures job security for our members, and provides acceptable working conditions.

“We are open to negotiations, but we will maintain our campaign until we settle through negotiations.”

Andrew Haines, chief executive officer of Network Rail, stated, “By announcing additional strike dates, the RMT has abandoned all pretense that this is a negotiation.”

“It is evident that the best interests of passengers and our employees take a back seat to the political campaign of union bosses.”

Network Rail, Chiltern Railways, Cross Country Trains, Greater Anglia, LNER, East Midlands Railway, c2c, Great Western Railway, Northern Trains, South Eastern, South Western Railway, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, and GTR are the firms involved in the RMT strikes (including Gatwick Express).

Earlier, drivers from the Aslef union, who are employed by eight rail companies, indicated that they will go on strike on July 30.

Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan stated, “We don’t want to go on strike – strikes are the outcome of a failed negotiation – and since I was elected general secretary in 2011, this unit has only ever been on strike for a few days.”

“We don’t want to disrupt people – not least because our friends and families also use public transportation, and we believe in establishing confidence in the British railways – and we don’t want to lose money by going on strike.

“However, we are in this position because of the railroad corporations and the Conservative administration,”

Aslef members at eight companies will participate in the strike action: Arriva Rail London, Chiltern Railways, Greater Anglia, Great Western, Hull Trains, LNER, Southeastern, and West Midlands Trains.