MORE train strikes are underway as thousands of people across Cumbria prepare for one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year.

Only 20% of trains are scheduled to run, with services starting later and finishing earlier than usual, with many operators urging members of the public to only travel if absolutely necessary.

Rail passengers have faced disruption since June with RMT members taking strike action in a long running dispute with Network Rail and the train operators over pay, working conditions and job security.

Train staff will also walk out over the Christmas weekend with RMT secretary general, Mick Lynch, saying this will have minimal effect on people, but will affect planned Network Rail works.

RMT regional organiser in Cumbria, Craig Johnstone, said that workers didn’t want to be on strike but that it was a ‘necessity.’

Members recently turned down a pay offer from Network Rail of an eight per cent pay rise spread over two years.

“Our members don’t want what’s on the table and rejected it on an 85 per cent turn out with 2:1 against the deal,” said Craig.

"It’s not about morale amongst members necessarily, but even if you take away the pay issue in the face of massive inflation, the attacks on our jobs and conditions are just unacceptable.”

Shoppers across the county will be using the weekend as an opportunity to do some last minute Christmas shopping, with roads and car parks expected to be busier than normal due to the train strikes.

“It’s hugely disappointing that despite months of negotiations and an improved offer by us to settle our dispute with the RMT, these strikes are still going ahead in a deliberate attempt to ruin Christmas for millions of passengers trying to see loved ones and businesses who rely on festive trade at this crucial time of year” Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director, said.

"We know how frustrating this period will be for passengers as RMT strike action has such a huge impact on running a decent service.

“Our station staff will be doing their very best to get people to where they want to go and we’d ask for patience and forbearance as we have seen an alarming rise in verbal abuse directed at staff during these difficult periods.”

Disruption is set to continue throughout December and into the new year with Network Rail saying the next unaffected train travel date will be Monday, January 9.

 

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