Train passengers in Highland Perthshire face further significant disruption after Rail union, RMT announced they will put on a series of 48 hour long strikes in December and January after failing to secure a new settlement deal.
Over 40,000 members of the union across Network Rail and 14 Train Operating Companies with strike on the 13th, 14th, 16th and 17th of December and on the 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 7th of January.
Speaking on the strike action RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “This latest round of strikes will show how important our members are to the running of this country and will send a clear message that we want a good deal on job security, pay and conditions for our people.”
He went on to say: “our message to the public is we are sorry to inconvenience you, but we urge you to direct your anger and frustration at the government and railway employers during this latest phase of action.”
Alongside these strike dates, members will also undertake an overtime ban starting on the 18th of December and lasting until the 2nd of January, resulting in four weeks of action.
Previous strike action scheduled to take place this month was suspended to allow negotiations to take place and to find a resolution to the dispute over jobs, pay and conditions.
The extent of the impact on train services will now be assessed by all rail companies as they put plans in place for what services can run during strike days.