When are July train strikes? Full list of rail strike dates and how the overtime ban will affect travellers

Rail strikes have disrupted travel across the UK for over a year, with no sign of coming to an end.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) confirmed a fresh round of walkouts would take place this month, involving 20,000 of its members across 14 train companies.

Union bosses have said that rail operators and the Goverment are refusing to enter fresh negotiations in the long-running dispute over pay and working conditions.

In addition, rail passengers can expect further disruption over the next six days as drivers in the Aslef union undertake an overtime ban.

What rail strikes are taking place in July 2023?

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 2023/06/02: RMT (Rail, Maritime and Transport workers union) members stand with 'Official Picket' placards behind a 'Defend rail jobs, pay, conditions' banner at the picket line outside Euston Station as rail strikes continue in the UK over pay. (Photo by Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) — RMT members on the picket line outside Euston station in London during recent strikes (Photo: Vuk Valcic/SOPA/LightRocket via Getty)

The RMT has confirmed rail strikes will take place on the following dates:

Thursday 20 July

Saturday 22 July

Sunday 29 July

Another strike by train drivers at Avanti West Coast that was due to go ahead on Sunday 2 July has been suspended following an agreement between bosses and union officials over sick pay.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “This latest phase of action will show the country just how important railway staff are to the running of the rail industry.

“My team of negotiators and I are available 24/7 for talks with the train operating companies and government ministers.

“Yet quite incredibly neither party has made any attempt whatsoever to arrange any meetings or put forward a decent offer that can help us reach a negotiated solution.”

Mr Lynch said RMT members were prepared to continue taking industrial action “for as long as it takes” and that he believed their action over the past year had been an inspiration to other workers embroiled in disputes.

What is the overtime ban and how will that impact train travel?

LONDON, UK - JUNE 30 A view from a train station as delays expected in train services due to industrial action by ASLEF union on June 30, 2023 in London, England. Around 20,000 railway workers in the UK will walk out in July due to a prolonged disagreement over pay. Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) members working across 14 train operating companies will take strike action on July 20, 22 and 29. Member of Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) Union also will not work overtime from July 3rd to July 8th. (Photo by Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) — Delays are expected due to industrial action by Aslef (Photo: Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu via Getty)

Drivers at 16 rail operators will refuse to work overtime for six days in July as part of a separate long running dispute over pay.

The Aslef union said its members would withdraw non-contractual overtime – known as rest day working – from Monday 3 July to Saturday 8 July.

This measure, short of a strike, comes after Aslef announced that its members had voted overwhelmingly in favour of continuing to take industrial action.

All train companies rely on drivers to work a certain amount of overtime and to volunteer to work on rest days in order to run their usual timetables.

As a result of the overtime ban, affected rail operators have made changes to timetables and cancelled some services.

Passengers will experience short-notice alterations and cancellations, busier trains and may find their usual service is not running.

South Western Railway has amended its timetable for the week as part of its efforts to ensure it can deliver a reliable and safe service for customers.

Chiltern Railways will also run an amended timetable during the overtime ban, with all routes finishing earlier than usual.

Speaking in June, Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said: “Once again we find ourselves with no alternative but to take this action. We have continually come to the negotiating table in good faith, seeking to resolve the dispute.

“Sadly, it is clear from the actions of both the train operating companies and the Government that they do not want an end to the dispute. Their goals appear to be to continue industrial strife and to do down our industry.

“We don’t want to inconvenience the public. We just want to see our members paid fairly during a cost of living crisis when inflation is running at above 10 per cent, and to not see our terms and conditions taken away.

“It’s time for the Government and the companies to think again and look for a resolution.”

Which train operators will be affected by the overtime ban?

Avanti West Coast
Chiltern Railways
CrossCountry
Chiltern
East Midlands Railway
Greater Anglia
Great Western Railway
Great Northern
LNER
Northern
Southeastern
Southern (inclusive of Gatwick Express)
South Western Railway (inclusive of Island Line)
Thameslink
TransPennine Express
West Midlands Trains

A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group said: “Aslef’s leadership continues to disrupt customers’ travel plans. They rejected a fair and affordable offer without putting it to their members, which would take average driver base salaries for a four-day week without overtime from £60,000 to nearly £65,000 by the end of 2023 pay awards.

“Train companies will work hard to minimise the impact of the overtime ban. Customers are advised to plan their journey in advance and check before they travel.

“We ask Aslef to recognise the very real financial challenge the industry is facing and work with us to deliver a better, more reliable railway with a strong long-term future.”

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