More strikes are set to impact train services in June (Picture: PA)
Commuters, take note: more train strikes are set to take place as June gets underway.
They’ll come as little surprise to regular train users, as they’ve been happening since summer 2022 – with journeys thrown into chaos back in March as virtually the entire rail network shut down.
So, which unions are behind them? This time, it’s Aslef train drivers’ union and the National Union of Rail, Martime and Transport Workers (RMT) – which has just voted in favour of more strikes.
So, when are these upcoming train strikes scheduled to take place?
Here’s what you need to know.
When is the next train strike?
There are two upcoming train strikes in June, at the time of writing.
They’re pretty close to each other, too, so be wary if you’re due to travel on June 2 and June 3.
June 2023 train strike dates
Saturday, June 3 (Aslef).
Note that strike dates can change at very short notice – so keep an eye on union websites, National Rail strike page, and your train operator’s own travel updates before attempting to travel.
The next train strikes are on May 31, June 2 and June 3 (Picture: Martin Pope/Getty Images)
It’s already known that many train companies will not be running trains at all onJune 2 and 3 – though there will be a select few able to run very reduced services.
June 3 is FA Cup final day, as well, so football fans take note and make sure you have your travel sorted for the game.
There are currently no other train strikes scheduled for the month or beyond, but more action could be called in the near future.
Why are train strikes still happening?
The RMT union is taking industrial action on June 2 over a long-running dispute concerning pay, jobs and conditions.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch has said: ‘The government is once again not allowing the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) to make an improved offer that we can consider.
‘Therefore, we have to pursue our industrial campaign to win a negotiated settlement on jobs, pay, and conditions. Ministers cannot just wish this dispute away.
Conditions, jobs and pay have contributed to the rail strikes (Picture: PA)
‘They underestimate the strength of feeling our members who have just given us a new six-month strike mandate, continue to support the campaign and the action and are determined to see this through until we get an acceptable resolution.’
Indeed, members of the union have also voted for further strike action over the next six months.
RMT re-balloted members working for 14 train operating companies, and on an average turnout in each company of nearly 70%, over 90% of votes cast backed continuing with strike action.
In response to the June strike announcement, RDG said it was standing by the ‘fair, industry level dispute resolution proposal agreed line by line with their negotiating team’.
It added: ‘By calling more strike action, the RMT leadership have chosen to prolong this dispute without ever giving their members a chance to have a say on their own offer…
‘We remain open and willing to engage in national level-talks so that we can secure a pay rise for our people and the long-term future of an industry vital to Britain’s economy.’
The rail strikes continue, causing chaos across the UK (Picture: PA)
Aslef members, meanwhile, are walking out on May 31 and June 3, in addition to withdrawing non-contractual overtime on Thursday, June 1 – in another long-running dispute.
This follows earlier strike dates and overtime ban days in May 2023.
Announcing the strikes, Aslef’s general secretary Mick Whelan accused RDG of rejecting our ‘proposals to modernise Britain’s railways and help them run more efficiently, for passengers and for businesses, in the 21st century’.
In response, the Rail Delivery Group said the strike was ‘disappointing news for our customers and staff’.
It continued: ‘More strike action is totally unnecessary and will only heap more pressure on an industry already facing an acute financial crisis…’
The group said that it had made a ‘fair and revised’ offer increasing pay which would have introduced ‘overdue, common-sense improvements already in place in parts of the network’.
Which train companies will be affected by strikes?
All affected train companies
Chiltern Railways
CrossCountry
East Midlands Railway (EMR)
Gatwick Express
Great Northern
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Greater Anglia (including Stansted Express)
Heathrow Express
London North Eastern Railway (LNER)
London Northwestern Railway
Northern
South Western Railway
Southeastern
Southern
Thameslink
TransPennine Express
West Midlands Railway.
via National Rail
MORE : Which train lines are affected by the strikes today?
MORE : All strikes planned for June 2023 so far – from trains to civil servants
MORE : When do the Heathrow Airport strikes end and are any more planned?
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Always best to check before you travel.