RMT Union Schedules Three Strikes Against East Midlands Railway

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers confirmed three 24-hour strikes against East Midlands Railway scheduled for August 1, 8, and 15, 2026. The industrial action centers on safety concerns regarding the Class 810 Aurora fleet, which the union claims is not operating properly due to communication failures between drivers, dispatchers, and trackside staff.

The dispute follows a June 19 collision in Bedford involving a Class 810 train that killed one driver and injured more than 150 people. The union is demanding the complete removal of these trains from service. East Midlands Railway has denied the safety allegations, asserting that the fleet passed all required testing and meets the standards set by the independent regulator.

East Midlands Railway advised customers to travel only if essential during the strike dates, as a significantly reduced timetable will operate from 07:00 to 19:00. The union stated it remains available for further talks, though strikes will proceed because the operator refuses to remove the fleet.