All the dates train strikes are set to cause disruption this July
Two major rail unions have announced industrial action for this July that will affect South Londoners.
The RMT and ASLEF are disputing pay, working conditions and job security.
RMT members working across 14 train operating companies will take strike action on July 20, 22 and 29.
The unions have said that their members have not had a pay rise for four years, and are demanding an increase in pay that takes into account the rising level of inflation.
The union said 20,000 workers will walk out nationally, affecting South Western and Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink services.
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.
“The government continues to shackle the companies and will not allow them to put forward a package that can settle this dispute.”
RMT members have now voted three times to take strike action over the past 12 months. The latest strike dates will disrupt tennis fans visiting Wimbledon for the tournament’s opening rounds.
ASLEF has banned overtime at the same train operators from July 2 until July 6. Underground and Overground services will run as usual.
Mick Whelan, ASLEF’s general secretary, 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 this 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 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.”
Stuart Meek, Chief Operating Officer at South Western Railway, said: “We’re sorry that customers will again face disruption due to industrial action next week.
“Anybody planning to travel should please check their whole journey before setting off and be aware that services are likely to be busier than usual.
“Instead of making numerous short-notice amendments and cancellations to our standard timetable, we have decided to provide greater certainty for our customers by creating an amended timetable that we have a high degree of confidence we can reliably and safely deliver each day.”
A spokeswoman for the Department for Transport said: “It’s high time the union leaders realised that strikes no longer have the impact they once did, and are simply driving people away from the railway.
“This Government has played its part by facilitating fair and reasonable pay offers that would see generous increases for rail workers.
“Union leaders should do the right thing and give their members a chance to vote on these pay offers.”
Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director at Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “Industrial action is terrible for everyone and the disruption this will cause will be hugely disappointing for all our customers. We urge ASLEF and RMT to go back to the national negotiating table.
“Regrettably, we’ll be running an amended timetable with fewer trains next week, from Monday to Saturday. By reducing service levels, we’ll have fewer short-notice, on-the-day alterations, which provides greater certainty for customers planning their journeys.
“I strongly advise people to plan ahead , allow extra time and check trains before setting out for the station.”
Picture: Mick Lynch at the picket line in March (Picture: PA)
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