{"id":49344,"date":"2023-03-16T14:38:38","date_gmt":"2023-03-16T14:38:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shefnews.co.uk\/?p=49344"},"modified":"2023-03-16T14:38:38","modified_gmt":"2023-03-16T14:38:38","slug":"claps-dont-pay-bills-why-the-rail-workers-are-striking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shefnews.co.uk\/index.php\/2023\/03\/16\/claps-dont-pay-bills-why-the-rail-workers-are-striking\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cClaps don\u2019t pay bills\u201d: Why the rail workers are striking.  "},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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\u2019s day weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Gaz Jackson, RMT regional organiser for Yorkshire and Lincolnshire wants the government to step up and put things right. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said \u201cThere\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe were classed as key workers throughout the pandemic but claps don\u2019t pay bills. We\u2019ve all seen how gas, electric, food shopping, petrol – everything\u2019s gone up in price. The only thing that\u2019s not gone up is the wages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe government need to do the right thing, get round the table and sort these disputes out around the country.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Commuters have been left continually frustrated, but are trying their best to support the rail workers and show solidarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Millie Wilson, a student in Sheffield, expressed her disappointment as her plans to go home to see her family for Mother\u2019s day have been impacted as a result of the strikes, but is still trying her best to be understanding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She said \u201cI 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe rail strikes have a massive effect on people and have made getting home for Mother\u2019s day incredibly stressful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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