East Midlands Railway passengers urged to make alternative plans as workers go on strike
Train operator in dispute with the RMT union over safety
Last updated 9 hours ago
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union have gone on strike today, with East Midlands Railway advising passengers to only travel if their journey is essential.
The walkout, lasting 24 hours, comes after talks between the union and the train operator failed to resolve a heated safety dispute.
According to the RMT, new trains on the network's 810 fleet present faults that pose safety risks to both workers and passengers.
East Midlands Railway has refuted these claims however, stating that the trains meet all the necessary safety standards required by law.
The operator runs services across the East Midlands, parts of Northern England and London St Pancras, where a picket line has been organised this morning.
Further strike action is planned next Saturday 8 August and then again on Saturday 15 August.
East Midlands Railway passengers have been advised to plan alternative travel arrangements and check for updates on services.