Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport workers’ union (RMT) are striking again this week, with industrial action scheduled for 16th and 18th March, causing significant disruption to travel across Mother’s day weekend.
RMT workers united with university lecturers, who are also striking today, to form a rally on Devonshire green in Sheffield city centre today, campaigning for better pay and working conditions.
The striking staff members were certainly making their voices heard as they cheered, applauded and even blew trumpets, calling for a pay rise which is in line with the current rate of inflation, estimated by the Office of National Statistics to be above 10%.
18 train operators, including the likes of Northern Trains, Great Western and West Midlands Trains, are involved in the industrial action, with further strike dates also planned for later this month.
Gaz Jackson, RMT regional organiser for Yorkshire and Lincolnshire wants the government to step up and put things right.
He said “There’s something very wrong with society at the minute. The Tories are leading from the top looking after their mates but are not really delivering for the working people in the country.
“We were classed as key workers throughout the pandemic but claps don’t pay bills. We’ve all seen how gas, electric, food shopping, petrol – everything’s gone up in price. The only thing that’s not gone up is the wages.
“The government need to do the right thing, get round the table and sort these disputes out around the country.”
Commuters have been left continually frustrated, but are trying their best to support the rail workers and show solidarity.
Millie Wilson, a student in Sheffield, expressed her disappointment as her plans to go home to see her family for Mother’s day have been impacted as a result of the strikes, but is still trying her best to be understanding.
She said “I understand the need for the rail strikes but it is very frustrating how the cancellations have impacted on plans and will make the available trains running this weekend extremely busy.
“The rail strikes have a massive effect on people and have made getting home for Mother’s day incredibly stressful.”
The strikes have been ongoing since June last year and RMT have yet to come to an agreement with the government over a suitable wage.