London’s railways are set to be “shut down” by three days of strikes this summer, a transport union boss has threatened.
RMT union chief Mick Lynch said that the strike, which is over a pay dispute, will take place on Tuesday June 21, Thursday June 23 and Saturday, June 25.
More than 50,000 staff from thirteen railway operators, including Southeastern, and Network Rail, which manages the lines, will walk out on those three days.
The strike is likely to cause huge disruption for passengers on trains running through south-east London, including London Bridge, Blackfriars, Elephant and Castle, Peckham, Denmark Hill and Nunhead, particularly on those three days but also the rest of the week.
South-east London trains to be disrupted by summer rail strike
Lynch said: “Railway workers have been treated appallingly and despite our best efforts in negotiations, the rail industry with the support of the government has failed to take their concerns seriously.
“We have a cost-of-living crisis, and it is unacceptable for railway workers to either lose their jobs or face another year of a pay freeze when inflation is at 11.1pc and rising.
“Our union will now embark on a sustained campaign of industrial action which will shut down the railway system.”
Transport secretary Grant Shapps said in May that the government would prioritise cargo trains moving around vital goods like food and energy sources in the event of a strike.
The railway industry is under pressure, with more people working from home. Unions are concerned this could mean job losses and reduced timetables. Network Rail wants to cut 2,500 jobs in maintenance to make £2 billion in savings, although it said this would not compromise safety.