RMT rail strikes: new dates and which events around Manchester will be impacted by industrial action

The RMT has announced three more days of strike action set to take place at the end of July. roughly 20,000 workers from 14 train companies will take action on July 20, 22 and 29. 

The action is part of their ongoing fight for better pay, working conditions and job security for its members. RMT members voted overwhelmingly in favour of renewing their strike mandate earlier this year. 

The days of action are set to have an impact on travel in and around Manchester. On the strike days there will be few if any services operating. 

The strike days will coincide with some major events taking place around Manchester. Whether you are local or are travelling into the city- your transport plans may be affected.  

Here we take a look at some of these big events which may be hit by the strikes. Included in this are sporting events and gigs. 

Fourth LV= Insurance Men’s Ashes Test 

The fourth men’s Ashes Test of the summer is set to fall on two of the strike days. The second and fourth days of the match between England and Australia will be strike days. 

As well as train services being limited on these days, the days before and after each strike day could see some disruption. Old Trafford Cricket Ground is well located next to several Metrolink stops, but services could be hit hard by the industrial action.  

On the new strike dates, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "This latest phase of action will show the country just how important railway staff are to the running of the rail industry.

Manchester Craft Beer Festival

The festival is scheduled to take place on July 21 and 22 on Baring Street in Manchester. The festival is in close proximity to Manchester Piccadilly and is set to be well attended. For all the information about the festival and to book tickets, visit the Manchester Craft Beer Festival website. 

Six 

Six, the musical about the wives of King Henry VIII, will be performing at Manchester Opera House on July 22. This is the second day of the three planned strike dates in July, so if you were planning on using train services to get into the city for the show you may need alternative plans.  

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch on the new strike dates 

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "This latest phase of action will show the country just how important railway staff are to the running of the rail industry.

"My team of negotiators and I are available 24/7 for talks with the train operating companies and government ministers. Yet quite incredibly neither party has made any attempt whatsoever to arrange any meetings or put forward a decent offer that can help us reach a negotiated solution.

"The government continues to shackle the companies and will not allow them to put forward a package that can settle this dispute.

"Our members have now voted 3 times to take strike action over the last 12 months - the most recent of which coincided with having the full details of the substandard offer from the rail operators. They voted by 9-1 to renew their strike mandate and RMT will continue its industrial campaign until we reach a negotiated settlement on pay, working conditions and job security."