As many schools across England and Wales break up for the six-week summer holidays, rail strikes are expected to create disruptions for families planning to travel during this period. Members of two rail unions are currently involved in industrial action at various train operating companies, as part of an ongoing dispute over pay and conditions.
The upcoming strikes are scheduled for Saturday 22 July and Saturday 29 July, with members of the RMT union participating in the action. A total of 14 rail companies will be affected by the strikes, including major operators like Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway, Southeastern, and Northern Trains, among others.
The RMT has announced that approximately 20,000 of its members, including guards, train managers, and station staff, will participate in the walkout. During previous strike days, thousands of cancellations have occurred, and some lines have not operated at all. For lines that were operational, services tended to start later and finish earlier than usual.
As a result of the strike, National Rail has warned passengers to expect large areas of the rail network to have little or no services. Passengers are strongly advised to check with the respective operators before traveling on the strike days to avoid any inconvenience.
In related news, American Airlines Group Inc has raised the value of its contract offer to pilots by over $1 billion to match a more generous deal at United Airlines. The Texas-based carrier’s pilots are set to vote on the proposed contract, valued at $9 billion, on Monday. The deal includes matching the pay rates and retroactive pay offered in United Airlines’ tentative agreement, as well as providing extended sick leave and increased life insurance.
The Allied Pilots Association (APA), representing American Airlines’ pilots, has expressed concerns about the deal’s ratification, citing potential discrepancies in pay rates and benefits compared to United’s pilots.
In another development, CME Group, the world’s largest derivatives exchange, has eliminated approximately 100 positions, representing 3% of its workforce. The company plans to reallocate most of these positions to new, cloud-focused technology roles, while maintaining the overall headcount. This move comes amid the aftermath of regional U.S. lenders’ collapse in March, which has impacted the financial industry and led to cost-cutting measures.
As the rail strikes and labor disputes unfold, the travel plans of many families and commuters may face disruptions, and stakeholders in various industries continue to navigate the challenges posed by the changing economic landscape.
