Rail strikes: West Midlands Railway urge passengers to travel only if ‘absolutely necessary’ ahead of industrial action

West Midlands Railway has called on passengers to only travel on the railways if absolutely necessary this week. This warning comes as rail union worker strikes are set to impact journeys for five straight days.

Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) will walk out on January 3 and 4 as well as January 6 and 7. The Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) members will be on strike on January 5.

WMR said that there will be “very limited” services from January 3 to 7. They added that there will be no services at all on January 5.

These latest days of strike action impacting Birmngham’s railways are part of the ongoing dispute between Network Rail and train worker unions. Strike action has taken place intermittently since summer 2022.

Jonny Wiseman, WMR customer experience director, said: “It is disappointing that our passengers’ journeys are continuing to be affected by industrial action as we approach the New Year and our advice is to only travel if absolutely necessary. Limited timetables will be in operation and there will be no service at all on Thursday (January 5) when passengers should not attempt travel by rail.

“Anyone travelling by train across the New Year period should check their journeys – both outbound and return - before setting out. Anyone whose train is cancelled as a result of industrial action can claim a full refund from their point of purchase or travel on an alternative date.”