he chief of the largest rail employees’ union has accused the Government of stopping a settlement of the long-running dispute over jobs, pay and circumstances, which is inflicting contemporary journey disruption on Saturday.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union walked out for the day, resulting in the widespread cancellation of practice companies.

The union has been embroiled within the dispute for over a yr, with no signal of a breakthrough.

Controversial plans to shut most ticket workplaces have worsened the dispute.

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There had been picket strains outdoors railway stations throughout England on Saturday.

RMT basic secretary Mick Lynch mentioned the choice to shut ticket workplaces will solely save about £89 million – a “tiny fraction” of the £1 billion he claims has been spent by the Government to “artificially keep the dispute going and prevent a settlement”.

He mentioned: “The public is being ripped off not only to financially underwrite this dispute that could have been settled 18 months ago, but also to fund the closure of ticket offices which they rely on.

“Closing 1,000 ticket offices will only save a small fraction of the money spent on rail company indemnity, to prolong the strike and the handsome profits they have made.

“Ticket office closures are not popular with the public and we have seen mass opposition across the country.

“Not only are ticket office closures being used as a fig leaf for the wholesale de-staffing of stations, but this is the thin end of the wedge for getting rid of staff across the railway network, something our union will oppose vigorously.

“The elderly, vulnerable and disabled will no longer want to and in some cases be unable to use the railway because trained and friendly staff are waiting to assist them.

“Our union remains wholly committed to reaching a negotiated settlement on pay, jobs, security and conditions.

“But our members remain steadfast in their industrial action and will not be cowed into submission by anyone.”

Passengers had been suggested to test their journey preparations because the strike will see vast variations in companies throughout the nation, with trains beginning later and ending a lot sooner than traditional.

In some areas solely about half of practice companies will run, whereas others can have no companies in any respect.

A Rail Delivery Group spokesman mentioned the strike would disrupt the plans of households in the course of the summer time holidays.

The very least we should always anticipate from the transport secretary is to sit down down with the unions and rail operators, to attempt to attain an settlement to finish these strikes for good

“This will lead to disappointment, frustration, and financial strain for tens of thousands of people.

“We apologise for the inconvenience caused and understand the impact on individuals and businesses.

“Our advice is to check before you travel.”

Louise Haigh, shadow transport secretary, has written to Transport Secretary Mark Harper, telling him to “get back to work” and sit down with rail unions and operators to finish the strikes.

Labour mentioned the transport secretary has not met both of the 2 rail unions on the centre of the rail strikes since earlier than Christmas final yr.

Ms Haigh mentioned: “The fact that Mark Harper has refused to do his job whilst the British public have faced over a year of rail chaos is unacceptable.

“The very least we should expect from the transport secretary is to sit down with the unions and rail operators, to try and reach an agreement to end these strikes for good.

“The fact he has failed to do even that means we can safely add the transport secretary to the list of things that do not work in Britain any more.”