Drivers working for crisis-hit East Midlands Railway to strike in safety dispute
The RMT claims unsafe trains are being used - something denied by operator EMR
Last updated 29th Jul 2026
Train drivers working for crisis-hit operator East Midlands Railway have confirmed they're to go on strike amid safety fears.
RMT members will walk out for a three days - the 1st, 8th and 15th of next month - over claims its Class 810 trains are running with a 'significant number of faults'.
The RMT claims trains are being used which are ' likely to fail and require a full reset which leaves the train with no active safety systems including loss of communication between train drivers, dispatchers, and trackside'.
EMR has already been forced to cut back its timetable, including services connecting Sheffield and London, due to a shortage of trains.
The managing director of the company Will Rogers confirmed earlier this week he is stepping down.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Despite numerous attempts to resolve the dispute through talks EMR will not remove the 810’s from service therefore the strikes will go ahead, and we remain available for further talks."
An East Midlands Railway spokesperson said, “Any suggestion that the Hitachi Rail Class 810 fleet does not meet the required safety standards is incorrect."
"These trains entered passenger service only after successfully completing all required testing and meeting the rigorous safety standards required by the independent regulator.
“We recognise the Class 810 fleet has encountered performance and reliability issues in service and are working with the manufacturer, Hitachi Rail, to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.
“EMR continues to engage in discussions with RMT regarding this dispute."