London: United Kingdom commuters are advised to check their travel plans for railway services before boarding, as industrial action is expected to disrupt services on July 10 (Friday) and July 11 (Saturday). The strike follows a dispute between two key stakeholders/social partners, the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) and the Department for Transport (DfT) over an improved rest-day working arrangement. However, the negotiations failed to produce an agreement; TSSA members, including roster clerks, duty train crew managers and control staff, confirmed industrial action that will affect services operated by London Northwestern Railway (LNR) and West Midlands Trains (WMT).
Which rail routes will face the biggest disruption?
London Northwestern Railway will operate a significantly reduced timetable on both Friday and Saturday. No LNR services will run on the Marston Vale Line between Bedford and Bletchley or on the Stafford to Crewe route via Stoke-on-Trent.
Five major LNR routes will operate with just one train per hour:
Birmingham – Liverpool
London Euston – Crewe
Birmingham – London Euston via Northampton
Milton Keynes – London Euston
Watford Junction – St Albans Abbey
Several West Midlands Railway routes will also be affected, with no services operating on routes via Birmingham Snow Hill, the Camp Hill Line, Nuneaton to Leamington Spa, Birmingham New Street to Hereford, and Birmingham New Street to Shrewsbury.
How will train timings change during the strike?
Passengers should expect trains to start later and finish much earlier than normal. On Friday, most services will end before 7pm, with some final departures leaving during the afternoon. On Saturday, services are expected to begin from around 7am, meaning early morning trains will not operate. Some Sunday morning services may also experience disruption because trains and crews could be out of position following the strike.
What should passengers do if they are travelling?
Rail operators are urging customers to check journey planners before travelling, as timetables may continue to change. Passengers whose services are cancelled can claim a full refund. Alternatively, eligible tickets can be used on Thursday, July 9, or Sunday, July 12, subject to the operators’ travel arrangements. Travellers are encouraged to allow extra time and consider alternative transport where necessary.
What have both sides said about the dispute?
TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said the union’s members are seeking parity with workers represented by other unions and described the demand as reasonable. She warned that the strike is expected to have a significant impact but reiterated that industrial action remains a last resort.
Meanwhile, London Northwestern Railway Customer Experience Director Jonny Wiseman expressed disappointment over the planned strike, apologised to passengers for the inconvenience, and said the operator remains committed to resolving the dispute through continued discussions.
The planned rail strikes are expected to cause widespread disruption across several key London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Trains routes on Friday and Saturday. Passengers are strongly advised to check the latest service updates before travelling, prepare for delays or cancellations, and make use of refund or ticket-flexibility options where applicable.
Disclaimer:Â This article is based on the information provided at the time of writing. Train schedules, strike arrangements, and ticket acceptance policies may change. Passengers should check the latest updates from their rail operator before beginning their journey.
