A restricted timetable has been released, indicating that only 11% of rail services will operate today, with no trains in some places.
Today, rail travelers have been asked to only travel if “necessary” due to a 24-hour walkout by four trade unions.
The most recent strike by members of the Train, Maritime, and Transport union (RMT), Aslef, Unite, and the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) is anticipated to produce the most severe rail disruption of the year.
A shortened schedule indicates that only 11% of rail services will operate today.
Trains will start later in the morning and end earlier in the evening, and significant portions of the network will have no trains at all.
Transport for London stated that some of its services may be impacted, with no London Overground service likely.
Passengers have also been informed that there will likely be delays on Sunday morning as rail employees return to work.
As a result of the strike action, delegates traveling to the Conservative Party conference this weekend and runners and spectators attempting to reach London in time for the start of the marathon on Sunday will encounter transportation issues.
Government must unfetter railroad firms.
Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT, apologized to marathon participants but stated that disruptions were “inevitable” in a long-term conflict.
He stated: “I hope that the runners, charity collectors, and others who wish to contribute funds… I hope they make it to the starting line and that tomorrow is a wonderful day for them.
We do not wish to upset them, but on behalf of our members, we must continue this battle.
He added: “Our activity is pretty obviously geared at the Conservative Party conference, which is also occurring tomorrow.
“Consequently, this conflict will continue, and there will be disruptions.
“However, if we can restrict this by resolving the matter, we will do so, and everyone will return to normal.
“We apologize for the inconvenience, but I’m afraid it’s unavoidable throughout a protracted conflict.
Every time we go on strike, someone or some groups will be affected.
Mr. Lynch also described his discussion with new Transport Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan as “pleasant,” although he emphasized the need for a shift in government policy.
He added: “Her predecessor, Grant Shapps, did nothing but go on media tours and throw insults at trade unionists, me personally, and other trade union leaders, which was utterly ineffective.
“She said last week to the media that she desires to work productively. I appreciate that.”
Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, stated that his members are becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress in the protracted conflict over wages, employment, and working conditions.
He stated, “We don’t want to go on strike, but this conflict will continue until the government releases the railroad companies from their chains.”
The message I am receiving from my members is that they desire further industrial action, thus I believe that additional strikes are inevitable.
Aslef will conduct another strike on Wednesday, while RMT members will strike again on October 8 and again on October 10 in Scotland.
Andrew Haines, chief executive officer of Network Train, stated: “Despite our best attempts to reach a solution and make progress in negotiations, rail unions remain committed to continuing and coordinating their strike action.
“This will simply result in our employees giving up even more of their salary unnecessarily, as well as generating even more inconvenience for our passengers and hindering the railway’s recovery from the pandemic.”
“Unnecessary and harmful”
Director of industry operations at Rail Delivery Group, Daniel Mann, described the strikes as “unnecessary and harmful.”
“It is especially disappointing that hundreds of runners who have trained for months to compete in the historic London Marathon will be unable to do so this weekend,” he said.
“This will also harm the numerous organizations, both large and small, that rely on sponsorship funds earned by such events to assist the neediest members of our community.
Although we have made every effort to keep some rail services operating, customers should only use the train if essential.
In the meantime, Royal Mail employees will again form picket lines outside Royal Mail delivery and sorting operations in a continuing dispute over wages and working conditions.
On Friday, members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) began a 48-hour strike, disrupting mail delivery across the nation.
The union and Royal Mail met for talks on Thursday, but there was little indication of progress, and the CWU plans to escalate strike action in the coming weeks.
In a significant escalation of the issue, a total of 19 additional days of strikes have been scheduled for October and November.
