Warning -- Travel Disruptions Possible

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September 11 Notice

Union cancels 14 September rail strike; expect disruption during additional walkout on 21-26 September

Employees of First Capital Connect (FCC) affiliated to the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) on 11 September called off a 24-hour strike scheduled for 14 September after the union reached an agreement with the FCC management; the industrial action was called over the recent dismissal of an employee found guilty of not following procedures.

Meanwhile, at least 800 National Express East Anglia (NEEA) drivers affiliated with the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) are scheduled to launch a six-day strike, beginning from 21 September, to demand a pay increase. The company operates express and suburban train services from Liverpool Street station in the capital London to various destinations in the Greater London area and counties of Essex, Cambridgeshire, Hertford, Suffolk and Norfolk.

September 9 Notice

(Note: the local arrangements people say that this should not directly affect travel to Cambridge. --Bob Schwanke 14:52, 9 September 2009 (EDT))

United Kingdom

Expect disruption during rail workers' strike on 14, 21-25 September

Employees of First Capital Connect (FCC) belonging to the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) on 14 September will stage a 24-hour strike in protest at the recent dismissal of an employee found guilty of not following railway procedures. The industrial action will affect FCC's services on routes between Brighton and Bedford; Wimbledon and Luton; Sevenoaks and Kentish Town; and Sutton and St Albans.

In addition, at least 800 National Express East Anglia (NEEA) drivers affiliated with RMT plan to launch a five-day strike from 21 September to demand a pay increase. The company operates express and suburban train services from Liverpool Street in the capital London to various destinations, including Greater London and the counties of Essex, Cambridgeshire, Hertford, Suffolk and Norfolk.

Comment and Analysis

The FCC has stated that it will attempt to run as many services as possible during the industrial action. However, the strikes are likely to result in significant disruption to rail travel as there will be reduced services on the affected routes. In addition, increased traffic congestion and associated delays to road travel should be expected during the strikes as many affected commuters are likely to use buses or private vehicles. Furthermore, the work stoppage will lead to an increased demand for taxis, and buses servicing the affected routes are likely to be crowded, particularly during ‘peak hours'.

Strikes by RMT members over similar issues have taken place on several occasions in recent months. A work stoppage on 6-7 August by NEEA drivers caused severe disruption to services on all NEEA routes. RMT-affiliated employees of the London Underground (LU, subway) on 30-31 July staged a 48-hour strike over salary conditions; around 100 services compared to the usual 1,800 ran during the industrial action. A similar strike on 10-11 June caused widespread disruption.

Travel Advice

• Personnel planning to travel on affected routes during the strike are advised to check the FCC website, NEEA website and the National Rail Enquiries website for information on alternative transport, delays and cancellations before setting out.
• Travellers should monitor the local media and our website for the latest updates on the strike.
• Personnel are advised to pre-book taxis for important journeys during the strike well in advance and allow additional time for journeys to minimise inconvenience