Rail strikes are set to go ahead this week following the RMT Union rejecting Network Rails latest offer, meaning two 48-hour strikes will take place this week. 

RMT, the UK’s largest railway union, has announced that its members have rejected Network Rails latest offer of a settlement to ensure pay rises and job security for its workers. 

This will mean that there will be major disruption this week in Ealing on Great Western Railway, which services Ealing Broadway and West Ealing, which will have an “extremely limited service”. 

Great Western Railway said on their website: “For the majority of the period, a reduced, revised timetable will operate across several train operators, including GWR. 

“On strike days (13-14 and 16-17 December; 3-4 and 6-7 January) only an extremely reduced service will operate on a limited number of routes.  

“On the days affected, passengers are advised to find an alternative way to travel. Where services are running, customers should only travel by train if absolutely necessary, and it is highly recommended that a seat reservation is made.  

“Other train operators are also affected by this action, so onward travel could also be affected. 

“Where we are able to run services, they are expected to be extremely busy and we are not able to provide bus replacement services. 

“Customers who have already purchased tickets for strike days can claim a full refund or amend their ticket; those who travel and are delayed may be entitled to Delay Repay compensation if they are delayed by 15 minutes or more. 

“[On 13th and 14th] An extremely limited service will operate. Services will start at 07:30 and all journeys must be completed before 18:30.” 

Full information on the strikes can be found on the Great Western Railway website. 

RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch said to the BBC about the vote: “The government is refusing to lift a finger to prevent these strikes and it is clear they want to make effective strike action illegal in Britain. 

"We will resist that and our members, along with the entire trade union movement will continue their campaign for a square deal for workers, decent pay increases and good working conditions." 

A spokesperson for Rishi Sunak said this claim that the government should step in: “We are not seeking to impose government over and above either the independent pay review process or ongoing discussions between employers and the unions. 

"We won't be changing the process."