…By Enitan Thompson for TDPel Media.
The RMT union has announced that 20,000 of its members across 14 train companies will go on strike on July 20, 22, and 29.
The union claims that train operators have failed to present a new pay offer, and negotiations with the government have reached an impasse.
In response, the train operators argue that the strikes are unnecessary and urge the union to present the latest pay offer to its members.
NHS Consultants Demand Better Pay, Plan Strikes
NHS consultants in England are preparing for strikes on July 20 and 21 to protest against pay disparities.
The British Medical Association states that the take-home pay for consultants in England has decreased by 35% since 2008/2009.
The strikes will take the form of Christmas Day cover, ensuring emergency care remains available while routine services are canceled.
DVLA Staff Conclude Strike Action, Delays Expected
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) recently completed a 15-day strike action in its Swansea office.
Members of the Public and Commercial Services Union went on strike over issues related to pay, pensions, and working conditions until June 25.
As a result, delays in processing driving licenses are expected.
Teachers Plan Strikes for Fair Pay
The National Education Union (NEU) has announced two national strike dates on July 5 and 7.
The union is calling on the government to release the recommendations of the independent pay review body, which advises on appropriate pay raises for teachers in the upcoming year.
These strikes will not affect formal exams, as all GCSEs, AS levels, and A-levels are scheduled to conclude by June 27.
Additional Strike Action Expected in the Education Sector
Three unions, namely NEU, National Association of Head Teachers, and Association of School and College Leaders, are currently balloting their members for potential strike action in the autumn term.
The NEU has already organized five national and three regional strike days this year.
Junior Doctors Demand Fair Compensation
Junior doctors are preparing for their fourth round of industrial action, planning to strike for five days starting July 13.
The British Medical Association (BMA) demands a pay increase higher than the government’s offered five percent, citing a real-terms pay erosion of 26% over the past 15 years.
Recently, the BMA held a 72-hour walkout from June 14 to 17, resulting in the cancellation of over 350,000 appointments and procedures across England.
Bus Driver Strikes Averted
Planned strikes by over 1,700 drivers employed by Arriva London North bus company in June have been called off.
Resolution Reached in Heathrow Airport Security Dispute
A long-running dispute involving security officers at Heathrow Airport has concluded after workers accepted an improved pay offer.
Unite, the union representing the security officers, reported that over 2,000 workers voted to end their planned 31 days of strike action throughout the summer.
The improved pay offer will provide workers with a salary increase ranging from 15.5% to 17.5%.
Coventry Amazon Workers Continue Strike Action
Members of the GMB union working at Amazon in Coventry have voted in favor of continuing strike action for an additional six months to protest against pay discrepancies.
With 99% of votes in favor, these workers are determined to fight for their rights.
Rail and Airline Strikes Planned for the Summer
RMT union members, including train drivers, will go on strike on July 20, 22, and 29.
Aslef union has also voted to continue industrial action for an additional six months.
In Spain, pilots from various airlines, including Easyjet, Ryanair, and Jet 2, may strike during the summer due to a dispute with the government regarding minimum services rules.
Additionally, pilots at Southwest Airlines and American Airlines in the US have overwhelmingly voted for industrial action, citing operational issues and stagnant negotiations.
However, approval from the federal National Mediation Board is necessary for any strike action in the US.
Travelers should stay informed of developments if planning a trip to America.