UK: Unionized rail workers to strike nationwide Aug. 26

Event

Unionized rail workers affiliated with the Rail, Maritime, and Transport Union (RMT) will observe strike action on Aug. 26. The strike will impact 14 rail operators, including Avanti West Coast, c2c, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia (including Stansted Express), Heathrow Express, London Northwestern Railway, LNER, Northern, South Western Railway, Southeastern, Southern, Thameslink, TransPennine Express, and West Midlands Railway. The strike has been called over a pay dispute. The RMT also called for a further strike on Sept. 2.

The strike will likely cause significant disruptions to rail transport services throughout the UK. Increased demand for other forms of transportation is likely. Lingering disruptions are likely after the strike concludes as operators reposition rolling stock. Striking workers may protest outside railway stations and other transport hubs.

Advice

Reconfirm rail booking and travel plans Aug. 26. Follow local travel and security advice. Avoid any demonstrations that could materialize as a precaution. Heed instructions from authorities.