More rail strikes announced in run-up to Christmas and New Year 

The Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union said over 40,000 of its members will go on strike on December 13-14, 16-17, and January 3-4 and 6-7.

The RMT also announced an overtime ban covering from December 18 until January 2. 

The RMT’s general secretary Mick Lynch said the strikes would send “a clear message” that workers want a better deal on pay and working conditions.

He said: “This latest round of strikes will show how important our members are to the running of this country and will send a clear message that we want a good deal on job security, pay and conditions for our people.

“We have been reasonable, but it is impossible to find a negotiated settlement when the dead hand of government is presiding over these talks.”

The union announced earlier this month that it was cancelling a series of strikes due to take place on three dates over November and was entering “a period of intensive negotiations” with Network Rail and rail operators.

But it said on Tuesday that Network Rail had failed to make an “improved offer on jobs, pay and conditions”.

Lynch, who is due to meet the new transport secretary Mark Harper on Thursday, said there is still time for the government to take action.

“In the meantime, our message to the public is we are sorry to inconvenience you, but we urge you to direct your anger and frustration at the government and railway employers during this latest phase of action,” he said.

“Working people across our class need a pay rise and we are determined to win that for our members in RMT.”

A separate strike by train drivers in the Aslef union will also disrupt services on Saturday, November 26.