Transport Chaos Looms: A Comprehensive Schedule of London Train and Tube Strikes in July 2023

Traffic and Travel London train and Tube strikes July 2023: Full list of dates and disruption this week

Introduction

Londoners in the United Kingdom are set to experience significant travel disruption this week due to strikes organized by two rail unions. The industrial action, which is part of a long-running dispute over pensions, job cuts, and working conditions, will affect train and Tube services. This article provides a comprehensive list of dates and disruptions caused by the strikes.

Impacted Services

The strikes will impact train services operated by various companies across the country. In London, commuters traveling on Chiltern, Greater Anglia, GTR (Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, and Thameslink), Southeastern, and South Western Railway (including the Island Line) will face disruptions. It is important for passengers to check before they travel as some services will be affected.

Aslef Overtime Ban

Members of the Aslef Train Drivers Union have commenced an overtime ban, refusing to work overtime from Monday, July 17, to Saturday, July 22. The ban follows a previous week-long overtime ban from July 3 to 8. As many train companies rely on drivers working overtime to maintain their full schedules, passengers at 15 train companies nationwide will experience disruptions.

RMT Strikes

In addition to the Aslef overtime ban, members of the Rail, Maritime, and Transport Workers Union (RMT) across 14 train operating companies will also participate in strike action. The strikes will take place on Thursday, July 20, Saturday, July 22, and Saturday, July 29, and involve up to 20,000 rail workers. The affected companies include Avanti West Coast, C2C, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, GTR, Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, LNER, Northern Trains, Southeastern, South Western Railway, TransPennine Express, and West Midlands Trains.

Tube Strikes

London Underground workers from three unions will participate in strikes from Sunday, July 23, to Friday, July 28, in an ongoing dispute over pensions, job cuts, and working conditions. The RMT members will strike throughout this period, while the Unite union, representing engineering, maintenance, and management roles, is expected to strike on July 26 and 28. Aslef drivers will also go on strike on July 26 and 28. The RMT union has not yet confirmed which groups of workers will strike on which days.

Travel Advice for Customers

Rail companies have advised customers to check for disruptions and revised timetables during the strikes. Many railways will operate limited opening hours, and some stations may not be served at all during the RMT train strikes on Thursday and Saturday. Passengers are encouraged to check National Rail for the latest information before traveling.

Union Statements and Government Response

The General Secretary of Aslef, Mick Whelan, emphasized that train drivers do not want to inconvenience the public but are seeking a fair resolution to the ongoing dispute. He highlighted the importance of rail travel as a vital part of the fight against climate change and the country’s economy.

The RMT General Secretary, Mick Lynch, expressed disappointment in the lack of efforts from train operating companies and government ministers to arrange meetings or offer solutions to end the dispute. He emphasized the significance of railway staff and their contribution to the functioning of the rail industry.

The Department for Transport has urged union leaders to allow their members to vote on a fair and reasonable pay offer. The government emphasized that this offer would result in an increase in train drivers’ already high salaries from an average of £60,000 to £65,000.

Editorial and Advice

The ongoing disputes between rail unions and train operating companies highlight the challenges faced by workers in the transportation sector. While strikes undoubtedly disrupt the lives of commuters and travelers, it is essential to recognize the concerns of the workers regarding pensions, job cuts, and working conditions. A fair resolution that addresses these issues is necessary to ensure a sustainable and efficient rail network in the long term.

For commuters and travelers affected by the strikes, it is important to stay informed and plan alternative routes or modes of transportation. Checking National Rail for the latest updates on disruptions and revised timetables will help mitigate the impact of these strikes on travel plans.

Ultimately, both sides of the dispute should engage in constructive dialogue and negotiation to find a fair resolution that addresses the concerns of both workers and train operating companies. A balanced approach is key to maintaining a reliable and efficient transportation network while also valuing the rights and well-being of workers in the industry.