Rail strikes set to cause problems for commuting Salfordians

Rail passengers are facing a week of disruption as unions ramp up their strike action over pay and working conditions.

Strike action is planned for this Saturday November 5, then next Monday and Wednesday.

Opinions about the action were mixed among commuters at Salford Central  who have already been feeling the impact of the ongoing action.

Melissa Wilkinson-Lewis, 20, a student who relies on trains to commute to Salford University, described the rail strikes as “irritating.”

She said: “Even if I get the bus, it takes too long, about two hours, and with my experience with buses, I don’t trust them to be on time or show up at all.

“Next week we have been told that our lectures are going to change to online because of the train strike.”

However, Fardi Lumbar, 19, said he supported the industrial action. He said: “I love the train workers, they work so hard, and I agree with the strikes and why they’re doing the strikes.

“I support the train workers and their decision to go on strike.”

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport are a union dedicated to protecting and bettering the pay of their members.

Network Rail have previously come to an agreement where the company would commit to an improved offer on pay and alongside RMT they were working towards a negotiated settlement.

Despite this, The RMT have claimed Network Rail bosses have taken a U-turn on this and have completely disregarded the original deal and have sought to impose job cuts, more unsociable hours and determined changes to rosters.

Tim Shoveller, Network Rail’s chief negotiator denied these claims in a letter written to RMT general secretary Mick Lynch.

Shoveller said: “Nothing could be further from the truth. People were concerned to know if the current offer had been withdrawn and we simply confirmed it was still on the table.

“We remain open to additional ideas that would make us more productive and generate additional funding for pay.”

He also discussed how the treatment of their employees has already improved, including the recognition of employees’ job security. This gave the company a push to a new redundancy scheme.

Network Rail now have a commitment to no compulsory redundancy for general grades colleagues until 31st January 2025.