# RMT union rail industrial disputes in the UK

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rmt-union-rail-industrial-disputes-in-the-uk
> Updated: 2026-11-09T15:41:48.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) has engaged in various industrial actions across different UK rail operators. In November 2026, the union announced strikes affecting Chiltern Railways over proposed driver-only operations for East West Rail services, which the union claims could undermine passenger safety. Additionally, London Underground drivers scheduled a series of 24-hour walkouts starting in late November 2026, protesting new working arrangements and potential job cuts on the Bakerloo line.

In a separate development involving the Northern rail operator, the RMT reached an agreement to end a nine-year dispute regarding staff working arrangements. This deal aims to restore between 60 and 80 Sunday train services across the North of England incrementally, with approximately 230 Sunday trains expected to be restored by May of the following year.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-09: Northern and RMT reach agreement to restore Sunday rail services

Northern and the RMT union have settled a nine-year industrial dispute, paving the way for the gradual restoration of Sunday rail services across the North of England.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/northern-and-rmt-reach-agreement-to-restore-sunday-rail-services

### 2026-11-05: RMT union announces multiple strikes for Chiltern Railways and London Underground

The RMT union has called for strikes at Chiltern Railways over driver-only operations and scheduled multiple 24-hour walkouts for London Underground drivers regarding new working arrangements.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rmt-union-announces-multiple-strikes-for-chiltern-railways-and-london-underground

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Cite as: RMT union rail industrial disputes in the UK. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rmt-union-rail-industrial-disputes-in-the-uk