COMMUTERS face more distruption this week as thousands of train rail workers are on strike.
In a huge movement of industrial action, around 40,000 members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) have agreed to strike on Thursday, August 18 and Saturday, August 20.
This means that limited to no services will run from train stations across the country, with 14 train operators heavily impacted by the strikes.
Certain networks are also striking on Friday, August 19 with disruption expected on this day as well as Sunday, August 21.
The industrial actions follows further strikes which happened across multiple days in June.
Industrial action by RMT and TSSA unions will significantly impact services from 18-22 August. We are advising people not to travel 18/20 August and expect disruption 19/21 August.
— Northern 🚆 (@northernassist) August 15, 2022
Latest info: https://t.co/NQJw58XlR6 pic.twitter.com/1Y71yKvhLy
How will Leigh be affected?
Northern Rail will not operate any trains through the Wigan borough on Thursday, August 18 and Saturday, August 20.
This will impact those wishing to travel from stations such as Hindley, Hag Fold, Atherton, and Walkden.
Limited services will run every hour between Liverpool and Manchester on these days, which will run from 7.30am to 6.30pm.
Northern will also run limited and later than usual trains on Friday, August 19 and Sunday, August 21, with disruption expected.
Why are RMT members striking?
Similar to bus drivers, rail workers are striking for a pay rise that meets the rate of inflation during the cost of living crisis.
Unions are also in dispute with the government and rail companies about job cuts and changes to the terms and conditions of their contracts.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “The rail industry and the government need to understand that this dispute will not simply vanish.
“They need to get serious about providing an offer on pay which helps deal with the cost-of-living crisis, job security for our members and provides good conditions at work."
Mr Lynch said that the strikes could go on "indefinitely" if they cannot come to a resolution with the government and rail companies.
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