Train strikes: Which Midlands rail services are affected by October strikes?

This month, thousands of railway workers are set to strike once again, threatening huge disruption to train services.

It will impact many routes across the region, with services including West Midlands Railway urging passengers to plan ahead.

Despite several previous strikes, there has been no resolution, despite ongoing talks between unions and the rail industry.

How will the strikes impact rail passengers in the region?

As well as disruption on strike days, services could also be impacted before and after due to the knock-on effect. People are urged to plan ahead and only travel if necessary.

When will Midlands train services be impacted by the strikes?

Saturday 8 October

More than 40,000 RMT members from Network Rail and 15 train operating companies will walk out again, "effectively shutting down the railway network".

The following companies are involved:

• Chiltern Railways

• Cross Country Trains

• LNER

• East Midlands Railway

• Avanti West Coast

• West Midlands Trains

TSSA members at Avanti will also strike on this day.

17 October

• East Midlands Railway

18 October

• East Midlands Railway

22 October

• Avanti West Coast

Can I get a refund on my ticket or change my journey due to the strikes?

Those affected by the mass walkout on 1 October can use their advance, off-peak or anytime tickets on the day before the booked date, or up to and including 4 October.

Passengers can also change their tickets to travel on an alternate date, or get a refund if their train is cancelled or rescheduled.

More information is expected ahead of the other strikes in October.

It is always best to check direct with your service provider if you are not sure of your rights.

Why are rail workers taking strike action?

The increasingly bitter dispute is centered on pay, jobs and conditions.

Unions are calling for a salary increase, saying workers are facing a real-terms pay cut and are increasingly struggling to make ends meet due to the cost of living crisis.

Network Rail says it is offering an 8% pay rise over two years, along with other benefits.

Which unions are striking and when?

1 October: Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT), train drivers' union ASLEF, the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA), and Unite (at Great Western Railway)

5 October: Members of ASLEF, and TSSA (at Cross Country)

TRAM STRIKES

Strike action affecting the West Midland Metro will begin on Saturday, October 15, in a dispute over rates of pay.

 Fifty-three days of strike action will get underway following the employer's failure to improve its pay offer or to propose fresh negotiations. 

The dispute involves more than 174 members of Unite, the UK’s leading union, employed by West Midlands Metro, who are seeking a major improvement on their pay.

For some it is the lowest rate of pay in the country for the roles they undertake.

Saturday is the first of 53 days of strike action, which has been scheduled to continue until Saturday, January 5 2023.

A statement on the West Midlands Metro website reads: "We have been notified by the union Unite that their members intend to take industrial action on the network from Saturday, October 15.

"Naturally, we are disappointed at the union’s decision to escalate the dispute, despite our extensive efforts to reach an amicable agreement.

"In the meantime, a fair pay offer that includes an increase of more than 15 per cent for tram crew with a full year’s service, remains on the table. 

"These proposals also include an increase for tram crew in their first year who are still receiving training, bringing these salaries into line with those on similar-sized tram systems in other UK cities.

"Other colleagues across the network will also receive a significant pay rise.

"This fair and comprehensive package was put forward following a difficult couple of years for the network, during which we have supported our colleagues through the pandemic and more recent service suspensions that were beyond our control.

"While we hope an agreement can be reached that will avoid any unnecessary disruption, customers are advised to continue checking (our website) and our social media channels Twitter and Facebook and Twitter for relevant service updates in the days leading up to October 15."