When are the next train strikes? Full list of rail strike dates in May and June 2023 after weekend walkouts
Rail passengers continue to be hit by disruption from strike action as bitter pay disputes that began last summer rumble on.
Earlier this month, the RMT union voted in favour of holding more strikes over the next six months. Meanwhile Aslef, which represents train drivers, rejected the latest pay offer from the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) and announced a fresh wave of walkouts.
Rail passengers faced disruption over the weekend as Aslef staged a strike on Friday, followed by an RMT union walkout on Saturday. People travelling to the Eurovision Song Contest final in Liverpool were affected.
More strikes are planned at the end of May and in June.
When is the next train strike?
All strike dates are liable to change at the last minute as negotiations are under way, so it’s best to check online before travelling.
General Secretary of Aslef Mick Whelan said the union had rejected a pay offer of 4 per cent per year over two years, calling it “risible”. Most drivers had their pay frozen during the pandemic.
Mr Whelan added: “We are also withdrawing non-contractual overtime from Monday, May 15 to Saturday May 20 inclusive, as well as on Saturday, May 13 and Thursday, June 1.
“Talking to members in branches up and down the country, they are determined that strikes will go on as long as they need to. The government could sort this dispute out tomorrow if they made it sensible offer.”
The RMT has threatened to join the strike action on Saturday 3 June, when the FA Cup Final is due to be held at Wembley Stadium between Manchester City and Manchester United.
Will there be more train strikes?
No further dates have yet been set beyond the strikes on 31 May and 3 June. However, the RMT now has a mandate to announce more walkouts at any time over the next six months.
The union reballoted members working for 14 train operating companies. On an average turnout in each company of nearly 70 per cent, more than 90 per cent backed continuing strike action, the RMT said.
Its general secretary Mick Lynch added: “Members are not prepared to accept a pay offer based on mass job cuts and major attacks on their terms and conditions.
‘This sends a clear message to the employers that the huge anger amongst rail workers is very real and they need to recognise that fact, face reality and make improved proposals.
‘They need to get around the table with RMT and negotiate in good faith for a better deal for rail workers.”
The RDG has said the strikes are “totally unnecessary” and will only “heap more presurre on an industry facing an acute financial crisis.” It also accused the unions for “senselessly” targeting Eurovision and the FA Cup.
Which train companies will be affected by strikes?
The train companies set to be affected by the Aslef strikes on 31 May and 3 June are:
- Avanti West Coast
- Chiltern Railways
- CrossCountry
- East Midlands Railway
- Great Western Railway
- Greater Anglia
- GTR Great Northern Thameslink
- London North Eastern Railway
- Northern Trains; Southeastern
- Southern/Gatwick Express
- South Western Railway depot drivers
- SWR Island Line
- TransPennine Express
- West Midlands Trains
