Do you support the rail strikes? Have your say
The rail strikes have begun. We want to know what you think about the disruption
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Half of Britain’s rail lines will be closed for three days this week during union strikes. And we want to know what you think and how you might be affected.
Scroll down to take part in our reader poll
Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) and Unite are walking out on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday in a dispute over pay, jobs and conditions after last-ditch talks failed to come to a resolution.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps urged workers to reconsider the industrial action as the government planned to introduce legislation to enable the use of agency workers to fill staffing gaps “if the strike drags on”.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Instead of playing to the gallery for his own personal political ambitions, Mr Shapps needs to act like a pragmatic transport secretary who is willing to meet with the union and help us reach a negotiated settlement.”
The action will be the biggest rail strikes in 30 years, according to John Leach, assistant general secretary of the RMT union, who said workers were prepared for a “war of attrition” in pay negotiations with ministers.
As transport correspondent Simon Calder, sets out in this handy explainer, the strike coincides with a number of big events in late June including Glastonbury festival, by-elections at Tiverton & Honiton and Wakefield and the England v New Zealand cricket test in Leeds.
The government has also been warned the strikes could devastate the UK’s post-Covid recovery and cost key industries over £1bn.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of industry group UK Hospitality, warned tourism and leisure businesses were already fragile after pandemic lockdowns and would take a “big hit”.
Update: This poll is now closed. We have published the results here.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments