So far (and touch wood), 2025 has been blissfully free of train strikes. A long-running dispute between the government and the ASLEF and RMT unions ended last year, putting a stop to years of industrial action. But now we have an update – train strikes are coming back to Britain over the coming weeks.
This week the RMT has announced strikes dates for over the August Bank Holiday weekend on CrossCountry services. The union has cited a ‘breakdown in industrial relations’ as the reason for the walk-out, though there are a number of disagreements between the union and operator ranging from pay to catering.
As for nationwide strikes? Following the last bout of ASLEF strikes in May 2024 – quite some time ago, at this point, and which saw train drivers at 16 operators across the UK walk out over three days – no further action has been called for British train services.
Here’s everything you need to know about upcoming industrial action on the UK’s rail network.
When are the next train strike dates?
RMT members at CrossCountry will walk out on Saturday August 23 and Monday August 25. On top of that, RMT staff won’t scan tickets on trains from Sunday August 24.
On a nationwide level, there are no future strikes planned for now.
What train lines will be affected?
CrossCountry services will only be impacted by the confirmed upcoming strikes. CrossCountry, as its name suggests, runs services that span the UK, running from Penzance to Aberdeen and plenty of places in-between. Major cities served by the operator include Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Nottingham, Bristol, Southampton, Cardiff and Edinburgh.
When workers go on a nationwide strike, these are the lines that are typically impacted.
- Avanti West Coast
- CrossCountry
- East Midlands Railway
- Great Western Railway
- LNER
- TransPennine Express
- C2C
- Greater Anglia
- GTR (Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, Thameslink)
- Southeastern
- South Western Railway
- Chiltern Railways
- Northern Trains
- West Midlands Railway
How will rail travel be affected by the strikes?
Expect CrossCountry services to be severely impacted by the strikes, and running a limited operation. Trains will still be staffed by non-union workers, as well as ASLEF union drivers. ASLEF is not taking part in the coming strike.
Expect reduced routes and cut-back services.
Do workers get paid when on strike?
UK law states that employers do not have to pay employees who take part in industrial action. However, many unions keep some money aside to issue strikers with ‘strike pay’ while they occupy picket lines. For example, the RMT has the National Dispute Fund, which is supported by union membership payments as well as donations from members of the public.
When will the rail strikes end?
For a strike to end, a deal has to be struck between a union and either the service operator or the government. Union members then vote to approve the deal.
Why are rail workers striking?
CrossCountry rail workers are walking out over issues including pay for working on rest days, financial incentives for scanning tickets and levels of catering staff.
Can I get a refund if my train is cancelled?
According to National Rail, if your train is cancelled, delayed or rescheduled due to the industrial action, you will:
• Be entitled to a change or refund from the original retailer of your ticket
• Be able to use your ticket with another train company or an alternative route if it is available
What do rail chiefs and unions have to say about the strikes?
General secretary of the RMT Eddie Dempsey said: ‘I would like to congratulate you and your colleagues again for returning a splendid result in the ballot for industrial action.
‘This dispute is about protecting the future of your jobs, the protection of negotiated agreements and the right of your union to represent you effectively.’
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: ‘This is disappointing news for passengers, particularly over the bank holiday weekend. We strongly urge both the RMT and CrossCountry to get back around the table to resolve this as quickly as possible.’
Are there any other strikes to be aware of?
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