How train conductor strikes will affect Lincolnshire

There will be some replacement coach services in Lincoln and other areas of the county after East Midlands Trains confirmed timetables during upcoming strikes.

As previously reported, RMT (National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers) members working as Senior Conductors on East Midlands Trains, which serves Lincoln and other areas of the county, will strike at the end of July and the beginning of August.

RMT says strike action is over pay discrimination and contract issues.

Members have been instructed not to book on for any shifts that commence between 12.01am and 11.59pm on Saturday, July 20 and 27 and Saturday, August 3.

London services are not affected and will run as planned. Services will continue to run on a number of local routes.

However there will be revised timetables and replacement coach services on some routes and customers are advised to check timetables before travel here.

Summary of services affecting Lincolnshire on three strike days

• Replacement coaches will run on the Doncaster/Lincoln/Peterborough and Lincoln to Grimsby and Cleethorpes routes
• Newark Northgate to Lincoln – services will not run on this route. A rail replacement coach service will run from Newark Northgate to Newark Castle where you can connect with train services to Lincoln.
• Nottingham/Grantham/Skegness – a near normal service will run on this route including the additional summer Saturday 8 coach HST services
• Nottingham/Newark Castle/Lincoln – a normal service will run on this route. Nottingham to Newark Castle will be served by one train per hour instead of two

Adam Piddington, Customer Experience Director for East Midlands Trains said: “We’re disappointed that the RMT is intent on going ahead with this strike action.

“The fact is the union have raised issues about contracts which have been in place for six years, and which were introduced with their full agreement.

“We’re pleased we’ll be able to still run a good service for our customers on the three dates involved. Our timetables are now available at eastmidlandstrains.co.uk for customers to check ahead and plan their journeys.”

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash previously said: “East Midlands Trains lack of commitment to deal with our concerns over contractual issues such as compulsory Sunday working, wage discrimination and other issues is a total disgrace.

“As a result RMT, following a strong mandate, and after listening to our representatives, has been left with no alternative but to take strike action in order to make the company take the issues seriously.

“The union remains available for talks but no one should underestimate the resilience and ‎determination of our EMT members to see justice.”