No trains from Leicester today amid ongoing strike action
No trains are running from Leicester Railway Station today (Friday, May 12) as a result of ongoing strike action. Services will also be restricted tomorrow, with a reduced timetable running between 7am and 7pm only.
Representatives from East Midlands Railway (EMR) have warned customers not to travel today from the station, as no trains will be running and to only travel tomorrow (Saturday, May 13) “if absolutely necessary”. There will also be no CrossCountry trains between Birmingham and Stansted via Leicester because of the strikes.[1][2]
The disruption is due to industrial action[3] by members of the RMT and ASLEF unions, who are striking over issues surrounding pay and working conditions. Last week, 91 per cent of RMT members voted to carry on with the national strikes that have been taking place over recent months.
People have criticised the unions for choosing to go on strike on a date which coincides with the Eurovision Song Contest. Further strike days are planned for the next few weeks, including Saturday, June 3, which will cause disruption for people travelling to the FA Cup Final and the Epsom Derby.
Speaking last week, Will Rogers, EMR managing director, said: “Unfortunately, we will be unable to run any services next Friday and only a limited number on Saturday, 13 May. On Saturday, we are advising customers to plan ahead and only travel by rail if absolutely necessary.
“Customers are also strongly advised to check when the time of their last train is before setting off, and understand how the strike action affects their whole journey.”
References
- ^ East Midlands Railway (EMR) (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ because of the strikes. (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ The disruption is due to industrial action (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Leicester free bus service used for more than 16,000 trips (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)