Rail workers have been picketing outside of Watford Junction today as part of the largest rail strike in the UK for thirty years.
Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) have taken the action over issues concerning job cuts, pay and conditions.
Stewart Cameron, a representative from the Watford branch of the RMT, said: “It’s not just the RMT. We’re leading the forefront in this. All workers in the UK need a pay rise. We just can’t carry on the way we are.
“The government don’t seem to be doing anything about it. Inflation is at an all-time high, we are struggling to pay our bills. After all the hard work my members have put in through the pandemic, ferrying doctors, nurses and paramedics into London on the trains and keeping the system going. None of my members have been furloughed. To be kicked in the teeth like we are now, by this government, is ridiculous.”
Speaking about support from members of the public, Stewart added: ” The reaction from the public has been immense. We’ve had people clapping as they’ve walked past, I’ve had people bring us food and drink, people going past on the road beeping. All the support has been great.”
However, rail companies and Network Rail, the organisation responsible for the UK’s rail maintenance, say the railways need to be modernised, and that changes are needed due to differences in passenger numbers post-pandemic.
The strikes are set to continue on Thursday and Saturday, with London Northwestern Railways stating passengers should only travel if it’s essential, due to the disruption.
To check if trains are still running in your area, visit the National Rail Enquiries website.
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