Grant Shapps claimed this night that because so many commuters can now work from home, rail strikes have become less effective.
The RMT union, which is striking for the third time today, was told by the transport secretary that its actions were not having the desired effect.
However, he issued a warning that small companies were still suffering as a result of the strike, with some pubs reporting a 50% decline in sales.
The week has also demonstrated that overall rail strikes are not as powerful a tool for the unions as they previously were, Mr. Shapps continued, even though their action is hurting some individuals at the worst possible time.
Despite what the RMT may say, the world has changed, and a lot more people can now work from home, therefore we have not experienced the type of bus overcrowding or severe traffic congestion they predicted.
With 68% more services running than expected for yesterday, “we also haven’t seen freight impacted in the way they may have intended.”
As 40,000 RMT members return to the picket lines today, only one-fifth of services will be provided and half of the lines will be closed.
On the first day of the strikes, more than 90% of office workers in London stayed at home, which lessened the impact on the stations. However, a busy weekend of sporting events and concerts might destabilize the capital today.
There are performances by Billie Eilish, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and comedian Joe Lycett in addition to the Rolling Stones and Ed Sheeran at Hyde Park and Wembley, respectively.
In addition, there are celebrations commemorating Armed Forces Day around the nation including a cricket match in Leeds.
While those attending Sheeran’s concert at Wembley are bracing for “carnage,” many are adamant about attending a show they scheduled while the city was under lockdown.
All of the designated parking lots were full when other concertgoers tried to drive, and one fan was charged more than £400 to use a driveway.
With the disruption continuing until tomorrow, trains will mostly be restricted to main routes, although even those will only be operating between 7.30am and 6.30pm.
While we are trying to limit passenger inconvenience, our advise is to only travel if it is necessary. If you are going to travel, please plan ahead, said Steve Montgomery of the Rail Delivery Group, which represents operators.
The RMT, Network Rail, and 13 train operating firms continued their discussions yesterday. According to sources, a settlement was “inching closer,” but the RMT was standing firm in its demands for the modernization of working procedures.
The union is seeking pay increases for workers of about 7%; however, just 3% have been given.
The Mail reported yesterday that the TSSA rail union and the RMT would work together to protest the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham at the end of July and beginning of August.
After labor unions started balloting bin workers on strikes, visitors to the Games might also be met by mountains of trash.
Because the main exam board in England is holding a vote on strike action, teenagers may experience delays in receiving their GCSE and A-level results.
This summer, approximately 160 AQA staff, including dozens who organize the setting of exam papers and the distribution of results, may strike. Unison is conducting a vote to authorize a strike.