UK Rail Unions Vote for Strikes Over Pay and Payments

Two separate rail disputes are causing significant disruption across the United Kingdom. Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) voted to strike against Merseyrail for a period starting July 18, 2026. While reports vary between a 48-hour and three-day walkout, the action coincides with the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Merseyrail management defended a 4% pay offer, noting that members of other unions had already accepted the terms, while the RMT continues to seek a negotiated settlement.

Simultaneously, the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) called for strike action against West Midlands Railway for July 10 and 11, 2026. This dispute centers on rest day working payments, with the TSSA alleging that West Midlands Trains and the Department for Transport failed to secure parity agreements with other unions.

West Midlands Railway implemented a significantly reduced timetable, limiting services primarily to the Cross City Line and select routes between Wolverhampton, Walsall, Rugeley Trent Valley, and Birmingham International. Management at both rail operators expressed disappointment over the timing and necessity of the industrial actions, though both continue to engage in talks to reach resolutions.