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'Power, respect and solidarity' - pickets return on second day of rail strike

City rail strikes worsen as RMT picket returns to station
City rail strikes worsen as RMT picket returns to station

PICKETS resumed in the city today as a second day of rail strikes caused disruption to train services.

RMT union members are striking over pay, job cuts, and working conditions, with the majority of rail services cancelled across the country.

Day two of the strikes saw union members join the picket at the train maintenance depot in New England Road, Brighton this morning.

The group picketing at the depot had doubled in size since Tuesday’s strike action, with the next – held on Saturday – expected to see an even larger turnout.

RMT members in Brighton were joined by the academic union Sussex UCU, and housing union Acorn.

 

Sussex UCU said via Twitter that their members joined the picket to show “solidarity” to RMT, and give “hope and inspiration” to trade unionists.

Rail provider Govia Thamselink Railway (GTR) said that its RMT members had voted not to strike, though passengers should expect “severe” delays to its services.

“We depend on Network Rail signallers and engineers to keep trains moving, and our services connect with many lines and stations managed by other operators whose staff are taking action,” it said.

Angie Doll, CEO at GTR, said: “Strikes are terrible for passengers, especially as the country is starting to recover from the pandemic and return to rail.

The Argus: RMT union members are striking over pay, working conditions, and job cuts
The Argus: RMT union members are striking over pay, working conditions, and job cuts

RMT union members are striking over pay, working conditions, and job cuts

“We urge the RMT to work with Network Rail and train operators to find a swift solution.

“Services will start much later than normal and finish early. All this may lead to very busy trains and possible delays. Passengers should plan ahead and think about travelling at another time.”

Trains will start later and finish earlier, leaving depots at 7.15am and finishing at 6.45pm on strike days.

There will also be a reduced timetable on non-strike days, and passengers are advised to check their provider’s website for updates.

The Argus: Brighton railway station was quiet on Tuesday, the first day of strikes
The Argus: Brighton railway station was quiet on Tuesday, the first day of strikes

Brighton railway station was quiet on Tuesday, the first day of strikes

Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon said during the First Minister's Questions that the UK is “paying the price of the Tory anti-union rhetoric”.

"Let me repeat the call today for the UK government to start doing their job, to get around the table to bring a resolution to this and to drop their anti-trade unionism and show some respect for workers across the economy," she said.