‘Biggest rail strike in modern history’ WILL take place next week after wage negotiations collapse

Around 40,000 rail and tube union members are expected to go on strike next week, threatening widespread travel chaos as half of Network Rail’s routes are closed during the action

Train and tube strikes continue next week after wage negotiations collapsed.

It is expected to be the largest rail strike in modern history, with 40,000 union members walking out.

Network Rail had previously warned half of its lines would be closed during the industrial dispute.

Members of the rail, shipping and transport union at Network Rail and 13 rail operators will strike on June 21st, 23rd and 25th.

Subway workers will strike on June 21, coinciding with the first rail strike threatening widespread travel chaos.

Many parts of the country will have no services at all, including lines going north from Glasgow and Edinburgh and to Penzance in Cornwall.

Bournemouth in Dorset, Swansea in South Wales, Holyhead in North Wales, Chester in Cheshire and Blackpool in Lancashire will also not be served on strike days.

Network Rail chief Andrew Haines said: “Make no mistake, the level of service that we are able to offer will be significantly impacted and passengers need to take this into account and plan ahead and only travel if it is really necessary.”

If you have to cross the country on a strike day and have no alternative means of transport, you should book in advance.

The last train from Manchester to London is at 14:47 and the last from Norwich to London is at 16:00.

The number of services running is expected to be around 4,500, compared to 20,000 normally, Network Rail said.

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