Cross-border train travel hit as latest round of industrial action begins

Cross-border train services between England and Scotland face disruption due to another round of strike action by railway workers.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) are walking out at a number of train operating companies across the UK.

Staff are walking out on Thursday, July 20, Saturday, July 22 and Saturday, July 29, while ASLEF, which represents train drivers, will withdraw from non-contractual overtime between Monday, July 17 and Saturday, July 22, with a further overtime ban planned from Monday, July 31 to Saturday, August 5.

ScotRail is operating a near full timetable as the dispute does not involve any of the company’s staff, although services are affected between Glasgow Central/Dumfries and Carlisle, due to train dispatching at Carlisle station.

LNER, Avanti and CrossCountry services are all impacted.

Picket lines were mounted outside railway stations across Scotland and workers said they were receiving strong support for their action from the public.

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RMT general secretary, Mick Lynch, said: “I am proud of our members for showing such fortitude and resolve in this long running dispute.

“Our national dispute is about pay job security and working conditions. The recent attack on ticket offices and the threat to de-staff our railways, has galvanised a huge groundswell of public support which we are grateful for.

“Our members and our union will not be cowed by rail bosses or government ministers and our dispute will continue until we can reach a negotiated settlement.

“We remain steadfast in our industrial programme and are available for talks 24/7 with train operating companies.”

A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson said: ”The rail strikes called by the RMT union and the overtime ban by Aslef will undoubtedly cause some disruption, affecting not only the daily commute of our passengers but also disrupting the plans of families during the summer holidays.

“This will lead to disappointment, frustration and financial strain for tens of thousands of people. We apologise for the inconvenience caused and understand the impact on individuals and businesses.

“While we are doing all we can to keep trains running, unfortunately there will be reduced services between Monday July 17 and Saturday July 29, so our advice is to check before you travel.”