East Midlands Railway faces strike action over train safety

Members of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) are conducting a 48-hour strike starting Sunday, August 30. The industrial action is driven by safety concerns and technical faults regarding the new Class 810 fleet operated by East Midlands Railway (EMR).

The RMT has identified several issues with the new trains, including malfunctioning toilets, door faults, and a lack of air conditioning. Union general secretary Eddie Dempsey stated that the RMT is demanding the trains be taken out of service until these faults are resolved. EMR has reported meeting with union representatives six times and is working with Hitachi Rail to address the issues.

The strike will impact passengers traveling between Corby, Bedford, and London St Pancras, as well as services to Luton. Additional strike action is scheduled for September 16 and 17.