Papers report that union leaders seem somewhat hopeful that the planned four-day strike can be averted but if it goes ahead, millions of commuters could be left stranded after the Easter weekend. Thankfully train lines should run as normal over the Easter weekend itself, meaning that holiday travellers will be unaffected. However, there are plenty of people who planned to make their return journey after 5th April and these poor souls may find themselves in the midst of the strike chaos along with the commuters.
Strike to Affect Train Journeys in London, Midlands, East Anglia and the South West
At present, staff belonging to two unions have announced that they will strike between 6pm-10am and again from 6pm-10pm over four days from Tuesday 6th April to Friday 9th April. The action is in protest of proposed job cuts and working practice for signalers, which union members claim will compromise safety of train travel in the UK.
National Rail is giving regular updates on its website to keep travellers abreast of which lines will be affected by the industrial action. They hope to publish revised train timetables in the days leading up to Easter showing which services will and will not be running.
The main train companies affected will be:
- c2c
- East Midlands
- Stansted Express /li>
- National Express
- East Anglia
- South West Trains
The Eurostar will run a normal service during this time, which will come as some relief to those traveling to and from the continent.
Easter Weekend Travel and Train Ticket Refund and Compensation
National Rail currently says that travel on trains over the Easter weekend will not be affected by the proposed strikes. Anyone who had planned to make their return trip after Easter Monday will definitely want to keep an eye on the latest updates. Those adversely affected by the strike and who find that their train is not running will be entitled to a full refund.
Commuters will also want to check with their local company and online for the latest news. Travel arrangements are yet to be announced for those who hold season tickets but it is expected that either alternative transport or compensation will be offered.
Anyone who has difficulty obtaining compensation may be protected by the Consumer Credit Act if they purchased a ticket with a credit card. Cardholders who purchase tickets are over the value £100 can make a claim to their credit card company. Annoyingly, customers are not covered by the Act if they go through a third-party provider such as thetrainline.com.
Sources:
Rail unions announce strike dates
Four-day rail strike after Easter weekend to bring chaos
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