More than 50,000 workers are participating in a strike that will result in the greatest rail disruptions of the year so far in the United Kingdom.
Members of four unions have begun a 24-hour walkout in a protracted dispute over wages, working conditions, and working conditions.
It means that only 11% of normal train services will operate, with significant portions of the United Kingdom receiving no service at all.
The unions assert that little progress has been made in resolving issues, whilst train executives want remuneration to be tied to modernization.
It is the first time that all four rail unions – RMT, Aslef, Unite, and TSSA – have walked out on the same day, and around 54,000 members will be involved; consequently, service disruptions will be worse than on prior strike days.
Large portions of the network will come to a total standstill, with less than one in ten services operating and beginning and ending later than usual.
There are no trains connecting London and large cities such as Edinburgh, Brighton, and Newcastle.
Some railroads, like Northern, Avanti West Coast, and Southeastern, do not operate trains for the day.
ScotRail will only operate 20% of services between 07:30 BST and 18:30 BST in the central belt, Borders, and Fife, while no trains will operate anywhere else on the ScotRail network.
Many who had planned to travel to the capital for the London Marathon must reevaluate their travel arrangements.
Saturday evening is the deadline for event organizers to collect their event materials from ExCel London.
As a result of Saturday’s disruption, most Sunday services will begin later than usual, but Southeastern trains will deliver people to the start line on time, according to the London Marathon.
The strike will also impact the travel of delegates to and from the Conservative party conference, which begins on Sunday, as well as the movement of tens of thousands of people to sports matches and other events.
Karen Andrews from Staffordshire is raising funds for the breast care unit of her local hospital, where she received cancer treatment.
Saturday was supposed to be her train commute, but when the strike was announced, “everything was thrown into chaos.”
She stated, “I have not slept well since learning that we were affected.” And every morning when I’ve awoken, I’ve wondered how we’re going to solve this problem.
She was unable to take time off from work, so her husband traveled to London during the week to pick up her race packet. He will now transport her on Saturday.
“Of course, I understand why people want pay raises, but it’s affecting regular people.”
Mick Lynch, general secretary of the RMT, stated from a picket line at London’s Euston Station, “We haven’t targeted the London Marathon; rather, we’ve targeted the Tory conference, since they’re the ones responsible for this catastrophe.”
He apologized for the trouble created and stated that people would prefer a settlement.
However, he stated that members had to continue the nearly six-month-long struggle, adding that he thought employees had the complete backing of the public.
Next week, members will vote on a further strike authorization, he added. The six-month strike authorization expires at the end of November.
The RMT union anticipates that over 40,000 of its members employed by Network Rail and sixteen railway operators will not report to work.
Joining them are 9,000 Aslef-affiliated train drivers employed by 12 train companies. Additionally, the Heathrow Express is disrupted.
The TSSA anticipates approximately 5,000 of its employees to walk out. A few hundred Unite union members are also scheduled to strike.
The Aslef union plans a strike for train drivers on 5 October, and the RMT union has announced another strike for 8 October.
The Department of Transportation stated that weekend disruptions would “drive passengers further away” and urged union leaders to rethink.
Anne Marie Trevelyan, the new Transport Secretary, has met with the general secretaries of both Aslef and the RMT, which has been regarded as a “promising start.”
Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, stated that the train drivers’ union will continue negotiations and is confident.
However, he told, “We’re not very close, but every time we meet there’s a possibility for something new.”
The increased cost of living, according to Aslef, has resulted in a de facto salary drop for many drivers.
Consistently, rail executives have expressed a desire to increase salaries.
Due to the epidemic, when the government virtually took control of the railway and billions of taxpayer dollars were invested into maintaining services, there is pressure to cut money.
Due to altered travel patterns, the sector claims that reforms are necessary to protect taxpayers and farepayers from having to pay more.
Network Rail, which maintains the tracks and signaling systems, is attempting to adopt modifications to the way its maintenance crews operate. They were a stumbling block in discussions and could result in job losses.
The RMT rejected the most recent salary offer of 4% in the first year and 4% in the second year, subject to modifications. Other advantages, such as discounted rail travel, were also mentioned.
However, Network Rail has consistently requested that the union allow members to vote on the proposal.
Andrew Haines, the company’s chief executive, told that it was a “good deal” and that a balance was required between maintaining jobs and ensuring the expansion of the railway system.
On the second day of their 48-hour strike, Royal Mail employees are also on picket lines outside delivery and sorting offices, in a dispute over pay and working conditions.
Communication Workers Union members also want to strike for 24 hours beginning at 04:00 on October 13, 20, 25, and November 28.
These strikes will occur during the busiest postal pre-Christmas period, encompassing Black Friday week and Cyber Monday.
According to the company, their “major declaration” on dates reflects the “degree of fury” felt by workers. However, the Royal Mail Group stated that future strikes would worsen its financial situation and endanger the jobs of its employees.
