After last-ditch talks fail, rail strikes are set to take place next week

• Final discussions to avert rail strikes next week have broken down.
• It causes transportation mayhem across the country.
• The Rail, Transport and Maritime Union (RMT) said talks fell short of resolving a bitter dispute over pay, jobs, and working conditions.

Final discussions to avert rail strikes next week have broken down, causing transportation mayhem across the country.

The Rail, Transport and Maritime Union (RMT) said talks fell short of resolving a bitter dispute over pay, jobs, and working conditions.

As a result, almost 40,000 Network Rail employees and 13 train operators are likely to strike.

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‘Despite our negotiators’ best efforts, no viable settlements to the disagreements have been produced,’ stated general secretary Mick Lynch.

On Tuesday, Thursday, and next Saturday, rail strikes will take place, as well as on the London Underground on Tuesday.

However, due to the impact on services on the days in between the strikes, Network Rail has announced that service will be disrupted for six days.

Ministers in the government have been harsh in their criticism of the strike.

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‘It must be reiterated that the basis of these conflicts is the Tory Government’s decision to reduce £4 billion from our transportation networks – £2 billion from national rail and £2 billion from Transport for London,’ Mr. Lynch added.

‘As a result of the Government’s transportation austerity, the employing businesses have decided to slash the Railway Pension Scheme and the Transport for London scheme, lowering benefits, making employees work longer hours, and leaving them poorer in retirement, all while paying more contributions.’

Thousands of jobs are being slashed across the rail networks, according to Mr. Lynch, and workers are receiving wage raises that are below inflation.

‘The RMT cannot remain silent in the face of this tremendous attack on our workers.

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‘So now, after hearing the reports on the conversations, we are confirming that the strike action set for the 21st, 23rd, and 25th of June will take place.’

‘We want a transportation system that works for the people, for society’s needs, and for the environment – not for private profit.’

‘We call on the whole labor movement and the working class to rally to the RMT’s and our members’ defense in this struggle.’