Train strikes: Passengers warned of limited services, Bolton

It comes as the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) said they would be taking action over pay, jobs, pensions and conditions.

Some customers who arrived at Bolton train station today (Thursday July 20) were unaware of the train strikes taking place.

One passenger said that he did not realise strikes were taking place when he went to buy his ticket online.

There was also no access to the main entrance, but there was a sign on the door warning passengers that limited services would be running.

It said: “As a result of RMT industrial action, very limited Northern services will operate on Thursday 20, Saturday 22 and Saturday July 29.

“Some Northern stations will have no service, trains that run will be busy and finish earlier than usual – plan ahead.

“Additional disruption is expected between 17-22 July, particularly Friday July 21, due to industrial action called by ASLEF.

“Check your journey and further services with other train operators, before travelling.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused due to the strikes.”

RMT members including station staff, train managers and catering staff will be involved in the action.

Rail strike supporters in full force at a previous rail strike protest

The strike action at 14 train companies will see wide variations of services across the country with trains due to start later and finish much earlier than usual.

Evening services on some lines are likely to be affected on the days before each strike and on the mornings following the action.

Although the ASLEF Union – which represents train drivers – will not be taking direct strike action, they will be taking an overtime ban which is still expected to create mass disruption.

This is also at a time when consultants are also taking strike action from today (Thursday July 20) until 7am on Saturday 22 July when they will only provide scaled-back “Christmas Day cover”.

This industrial action is also over an ongoing dispute over pay.

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Source – INDIA TV