Around the country, about 5 thousand mechanics decided to organize a 24-hour strike against 7 train companies. The drivers’ strike, which coincided with the second day of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the first day of the English football season, came after a total of four days of strikes since June by rail cleaners, signalers, maintenance workers and station staff demanding improved wages and working conditions.
TRIALS TO LOWER THE STAFF NUMBER
Many passengers faced travel cuts due to the strike. While unions demand significant wage increases due to inflation above 9 percent, train companies are trying to reduce costs and staff numbers after the closures in the Kovid-19 outbreak.
Transport Minister Grant Shapps, in an article in the Times of London, accuses “militant union leaders” of resisting necessary reforms, while the unions blame the government.
Mick Whelan, leader of the ASLEF union, stated that they have not received a raise in three years and said that the workers only demanded a “realistic” wage increase.
More strikes are planned in the country for August. (AA)