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Nationwide rail strikes shut down much of UK network

Saeed Pourreza 
Press TV, London 


Organized by the Rail Maritime and Transport Workers union, the 24 hour industrial action has seen more than 40 thousand railway workers walk out in a row over job security and pay at a time of soaring inflation.

Any hope of an 11th hour settlement has now been all but dashed. Members of the RMT have formed a picket line demanding a fair deal out of one of the London's busiest train stations. And they’re saying if there isn’t a negotiated deal soon, there will be more walkouts in the weeks ahead. Those words echoed by the head of the RMT Union. That industrial action is the way forward.

Grant Shapps is the Transport Secretary. Under him, the rail network and the subway have seen billions of dollars in cuts and offered below-inflation pay rises, described by the strikers as paltry.

As widespread as the disruption is support for the railway workers. Today, the strikers found
Britain’s shadow transport joining the picket line in central London. The travelers too want the dispute resolved quickly.

There are more railway walkouts planned for the coming weeks. There are also reports of unrest among teaching staff and National Health Service employees. More disquiet is on the horizon as Britain awaits a new Prime Minister.


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