“I think it’s a bit ill- judged to take it at this time of year”- Salfordians react to rail union decision to strike over Christmas

Rail workers have announced a fresh wave of strike days starting Christmas Eve and ending on December 27, to the dismay of Salford people.

The new strikes by RMT members will be in addition to those on December 13-14, December 16-17 and then in January 3-4 and 6-7.

One Salford commuter Sheila said:” They’ve got a right to strike, but unfortunately it comes at a time when people have got outstanding things.”

Another resident Paul Robinson said:” I think it’s a bit ill-judged to take it at this time of year.”

Darren Ireland from the RMT union. – YouTube

The strikes will impact all Salford stations which include Salford Crescent, Salford Central, Swinton, Patricroft and Clifton

Union members are on strike over a disagreement on pay and their working conditions.

Salford resident Julie Dunn said:” I hope the government come to their senses and bring this strike to an end. I do feel sorry for who it will affect but I’m sure they will understand.”

The RMT rejected a 5% pay offer and then rejected an 8% increased pay offer dependent on changes in working conditions.

Daren Ireland, the Northwest regional organiser from RMT, said: “We’re trying to protect our members’ terms and conditions of employment and their rate of pay instead of seeing it eroded.

“It’s unfortunate that we’re having to take industrial action at any point in time, industrial action itself is a withdrawal of labour and it’s a last resort.”

A spokesperson for the union said the latest strikes would not be called off unless a “reasonable offer” was on the table.

Mr Ireland continued: “How on earth does this government expect our members to maintain their standard of living when their bills are going up and up?

“We don’t see executive director pay declining; we see it increasing year upon year far in excess of the wage increases of the average worker in Britain.”

In a statement, Transport for Greater Manchester said: “During the strikes, there will be no rail replacement bus services operating. Customers are advised to travel only if necessary and to check immediately before travel.”