THERE is no let-up in the level of service disruption as a result of strike action, with new dispute days called by the RMT union on November 3, 5 and 7 in respect of Network Rail and the majority of the train operating companies. The freight operators remain unaffected, having concluded successful pay negotiations.
Although Anne-Marie Trevelyan, the transport secretary at the time of going to press (having been appointed by the previous prime minister, Liz Truss), sought to establish a calmer atmosphere for negotiation, the employers and trade unions remain a long way from any settlement as the pay offer falls a long way short of inflation.