Rail strike WILL go ahead tomorrow as Grant Shapps accused of 'wrecking' negotiations

Rail workers will go on strike for a second time this week after the union at the centre of the row accused the Transport Secretary of "wrecking" ongoing negotiations.

Members of the RMT Union at Network Rail and 13 other train operators are currently embroiled in a bitter dispute about jobs, pay and working conditions, sparking the largest industrial action in over 30 years.

Further talks were held on Wednesday between the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union, Network Rail and rail operators in a bid to prevent two more days of planned walk-outs, the PA News Agency reports.

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But there was no breakthrough, with the RMT criticising Transport Secretary Grant Shapps. It means further chaos can be expected on the country's railways tomorrow.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "Grant Shapps has wrecked these negotiations by not allowing Network Rail to withdraw their letter threatening redundancy for 2,900 of our members.

"Until the Government unshackle Network Rail and the train operating companies, it is not going to be possible for a negotiated settlement to be agreed.

"We will continue with our industrial campaign until we get a negotiated settlement that delivers job security and a pay rise for our members that deals with the escalating cost-of-living crisis."

Just 60% of trains are running today, and some operators will wind down services slightly earlier than normal tonight ahead of the next walkout on Thursday. The third and final strike of the week is planned for Saturday.

Around 40,000 members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union at Network Rail and 13 train operators are involved in the industrial action.

RMT general