UK railway strike over pay dispute could clash with Commonwealth Games,

Britain is set to face another railway strike later this month which could put a damper on passengers hoping to attend major sporting events.

Railway workers have announced a strike due to start on July 27 and 30 over wages and working conditions, which follows the biggest railway strike the UK has seen in decades last month.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) says Network Rail, the owner of most of the UK’s rail network, has offered a 4% pay rise as that Britain sees inflation potentially exceeding 10%.

« Network Rail’s offer represents a real pay cut for our members and the pittance is conditional on RMT members accepting drastic changes to their working lives, » general secretary Mick Lynch said in a statement.

« The strike is the only avenue open to us to make it clear to both the rail industry and the government that this dispute will continue for as long as it takes. »

ASLEF, the train drivers’ union, announced a one-day strike on July 30 after train companies failed to make wage offers to keep pace with the rising cost of living.

Mick Whelan, the general secretary of ASLEF, said the strike was « the only option available » as they await a « fair and sensible offer » from the government.

« We don’t want to disturb passengers – not least because our friends and families also use public transport, and we believe in building trust in Britain’s railways – and we don’t want to lose money going on strike, » Whelan said in a statement.

« But we were forced into this position by the rail companies, run by the Conservative government. »

Eager sports fans attending the Commonwealth Games and the English Football League opening weekend are left to their own devices during the 24-hour train stop.

The Commonwealth Games kick off in Birmingham on July 28, while Manchester City take on Liverpool at the King Power Stadium in Leicester on July 30. Both events could see far fewer spectators than expected.

The following day, Wembley Stadium in London hosts the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 final, which could disrupt ongoing services on July 31.

« It is extremely disappointing that the unions have decided to strike on a fantastic sporting summer that has been planned for years, » said Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston. tweeted.

« This could have a huge impact on the spectator experience for those planning to travel by train. The strike comes at a critical time for the Women’s Euro and the start of the Commonwealth Games.

With post wires