THE NATIONAL Union of Rail, Maritime, and Transport workers has announced the dates of its strikes.
With the industrial action taking place on Tuesday, June 21, Thursday, June 23, and Saturday, June 25, South Western Railway Services will be significantly affected.
SWR is currently working with Network Rail to produce a reduced timetable for the week the action will take place.
It has, however, warned that severe disruptions are to be expected through the week.
More than 2,100 RMT members at South Western Railway taking industrial action, making large parts of the network unavailable.
They will also be joined by Network Rail signallers.
Claire Mann, managing director of South Western Railway, commented: “I understand that the announcement of upcoming industrial action will worry many of our customers, particularly against the backdrop of significant cost of living pressures.
“We are carefully finalising contingency plans, but I’m afraid this action will mean that many customers will be unable to travel by rail.”
South Western Rail is also working to communicate with public facilities such as schools, hospitals, and airports across the network.
“If customers can change their date of travel, or make alternative arrangements, I urge them to begin making those arrangements as soon as possible.
“I appreciate how challenging this may be and would like to thank customers for their patience as the rail industry responds to this unprecedented industrial action.”
The RMT says it is taking industrial action in response to multi-year pay freezes and plans to cut jobs.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Railway workers have been treated appallingly and despite our best efforts in negotiations, the rail industry with the support of the government has failed to take their concerns seriously.
“We have a cost-of-living crisis, and it is unacceptable for railway workers to either lose their jobs or face another year of a pay freeze when inflation is at 11.1% and rising.”
