Rail unions RMT, TSSA and Unite have called for national industrial strike action on Thursday the 18th and Saturday the 20th of August and will affect all rail operators across the country due to the involvement of Network Rail's signallers who control all train movements.
Passengers travelling on the East Coast Main Line are being advised to plan journeys ahead and only travel if absolutely necessary, as train services will be extremely limited and will only operate between 7.30am and 6.30pm. Despite the network only being open from 7.30am to 6.30pm for both strike days, electricity to tracks and overhead lines will still be on, and will be patrolled by security staff, police and also from the air.
A good number of specially trained and fully qualified backup staff are able to step in whilst the strike action takes place and will support vital services to run for those who need them. It is expected that less than half of the normal services planned to run between London and Edinburgh via Peterborough, York and Newcastle will operate.
Train services will also start later than usual at 7.30am and finish much earlier at 6.30pm with the last of the long-distance services set to leave during the early part of the afternoon. Anyone who does need to travel during the strike action will need to allow for extra time for their journey, and it is essential to check the last train times.
Passengers who hold advance, off-peak or anytime tickets who are affected by the strike action taking place on the 18th and 20th of August will be able to use their tickets either the day before the date on the ticket or up to and including Tuesday the 23rd of August. Tickets can also be changed to be used on a different date or a refund can be obtained if the train is cancelled or rescheduled.
Passengers who use a season ticket which is monthly or longer or who hold a Flexi season ticket with activated days of travel and opt not to travel on the 18th or 20th of August are able to claim compensation for the strike days via the delay repay scheme.
Passengers who need to travel on the 18th or 20th of August and have already purchased a ticket need to check with the train company that the tickets were booked with ahead of travelling for the best advice on how to proceed.
Sarah Reid, Route Director for Network Rail's East Coast Route said:
“Passengers travelling on the East Coast Main Line will again face a limited train service due to the ongoing industrial action on Thursday and Saturday.
“I'd urge those who absolutely need to travel by train to plan ahead, check their journey and expect severe disruption. I can only apologise for the impact that this will have on people's plans.”
Disruption will also impact passengers' journeys on Friday the 19th and Sunday the 21st of August as services will start later than usual due to rail workers returning to their duties.
Passengers can find further information via the National Rail Website.
