Three more days of rail strikes will hit Old Trafford Ashes test and Open Golf weekend next month

Rail unions have today announced yet another round of strikes, set to commence next month as part of ongoing disputes regarding pay, jobs, and working conditions. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) has declared that 20,000 of its members from 14 rail firms will down tools on July 20, 22, and 29.

The Government immediately a sharp counter-attack, accusing the union of intentionally coinciding their strikes with two notable international sporting events: the fourth and fifth Ashes Test and The Open golf championship. The fourth Test is being held from July 19 at Old Trafford and the Open is on the same weekend at Hoylake, on the Wirral.

The RMT claimed that the rail operators have not made any new pay proposals to end the drawn-out argument. In a statement, the RMT said: "Despite repeated declarations of our readiness to enter further discussions, neither the rail operators nor the Government have invited us to any meetings." Mick Lynch, RMT's General Secretary, voiced his concern, stating: "This latest phase of action will demonstrate to the nation just how vital railway staff are to the functioning of the rail industry.

"My negotiation team and I are always on standby for discussions with the train operating companies and Government ministers. Yet, astoundingly, neither party has made any effort to schedule any meetings or put forward a substantial offer that could aid us in finding a negotiated resolution.

"The Government continues to restrain the companies and won't let them propose a package that could resolve this conflict. Over the past year, our members have voted three times to go on strike – the most recent vote aligning with receiving the full details of the inadequate offer from the rail operators.