The RMT Union has announced that rail staff will also now walk-out on Christmas Eve in strikes over jobs, pay, and working conditions.
With many planning to travel across the UK over the festive period, the hopes of making to their destination for the big day without a hitch is now under threat as the RMT Union has this week announced that more industrial action is on the way – with thousands of rail staff now set to strike on Christmas Eve too.
This is on top of the already-announced strike dates over the next couple of weeks and in the first few days of the new year.
After yesterday rejecting the most recent revised pay offer, RMT has decided to put a new offer from Network Rail to members in an electronic referendum closing 12 December – with union bosses, once again, urging its members to reject proposals.
This means that all strike action planned for December 13,14, 16 and 17 will go ahead as planned, as well as further strike action from 6pm on Christmas Eve to 6am to 27 December.
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All strike action planned for December 13,14, 16 and 17 will go ahead. Furthermore, further strike action will take place between 18.00 hours on December 24 through to 05.59 hours December 27 2022.https://t.co/kYRjYfjQZo
Speaking as the new strike dates have been announced, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that it was unfortunate that the union had been “compelled to take this action” due to the “continuing intransigence” of the employers, adding: “We remain available for talks in order to resolve these issues but we will not bow to pressure from the employers and the government to the detriment of our members.”
Tim Shoveller, Network Rail’s chief negotiator, accused the RMT of “playing fast and loose with people’s Christmas plans”, adding: “This response from the RMT to a significantly enhanced offer exposes their true priority – using the British public and Network Rail workers as pawns in a fight with the government.
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“What use is a referendum that means the strike disruption is inevitable?”.
The RMT Union has announced that rail staff will now also stage strikes on Christmas Eve / Credit: National Rail
Rail Strikes Dates
Here’s everything you need to know.
December 2022
The RMT Union has announced two 48-hour strikes this month, which will affect the network nationally on the following dates:
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Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 December 2022
Friday 16 and Saturday 17 December 2022
This is likely to affect most train companies across the UK.
National Rail says that, although the rail industry is working hard to minimise the effect strike action will have on services, it’s “inevitable” that services will be cancelled or severely disrupted on strike days, and it’s likely that there will be a very limited service on these days, with no trains at all on some routes.
Services are also likely to start later on days following the end of the strike action.
There are also set to be other forms of industrial action taking place on “a much more localised level” on different dates this month, which will only affect one or two train companies – with Avanti West Coast one of the train providers set to see walk-outs.
Friday 2 and Saturday 3 December – action by Unite union, which will affect East Midlands Railway only.
Sunday 11 and Monday 12 December – action by RMT union, which will affect Avanti West Coast only.
Friday 23 and Saturday 24 December – action by Unite union, which will affect East Midlands Railway only.
This is on top of the already-announced strike dates in December and January 2023 / Credit: National Rail
January 2023
As we head into the new year, two more 48-hour strikes affecting the network nationally have been announced on the following dates:
The funds will help improve the already incredible music scene in Manchester, benefitting staples likes Night and Day Café, Matt and Phred’s Jazz Club, SOUP and more.
All of the donations will be distributed across six independent music venues and will be used for various instruments, PA equipment, backline technology and other necessities depending on the requirements of each site.
Elbow have teamed up with Co-op Live in aid of supporting Manchester grassroots venues.Credit: Supplied
This initiative has been keeping Manchester’s Northern Quarter in the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to live music as well as the impressive Co-op Live.
Alongside providing vital resources for these local institutions, Elbow teaming up with Co-op Live also helps cement the North West as one of the main powerhouses in relation to live music.
The latest efforts from the largest indoor arena in Manchester fall in line with celebrating one year of bringing some of the best live music to the city, being officially open for 12 months in May.
Co-op Live have made a commitment to the people and the planet, promising to donate £1 million annually to the Co-op Foundation.
The stunning Co-op Live venue, Manchester’s largest indoor arena.Elbow performing at Co-op Live, marking history as the first act to grace the venue.Credit: Audio North/Supplied
Manchester’s latest live music venue also contributed significantly to selected charities, including Happy Doggo – chosen by Liam Gallagher and Eric Clapton’s addiction recovery centre, Crossroads.
As Elbow teams up with Co-op Live, even more money is making its way to necessary resources, this time in the likes of crucial live music establishments.
Elbow front-person Guy Garvey says: “Playing Co-op Live’s opening night will stay with us for a lifetime, not least because of how incredible the room sounded.”
“When the venue donated funds in our name to support the city we love, it made complete sense to carry that through to the Northern Quarter and to venues that have meant so much to my bandmates and I throughout our career.”
Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Co-op Live, adds: “In the past year, I have been proud to see Co-op Live become an integral part of such an incredible city.”
“Teaming up with Elbow to directly support the venues that first put Manchester on the map, and to share something so intrinsic to us as venues – proper sound – is something truly special.”
Police launch investigation after a 19-year-old is stabbed in broad daylight at an Oldham retail park
Emily Sergeant
A police investigation has been launched after a stabbing in a ‘very public place’ in Oldham yesterday afternoon.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called out to Alexandra Retail Park in Oldham yesterday afternoon ( Sunday 30 March 2025) at 3:25pm, and when they arrived on the scene, they found that a 19-year-old man had been stabbed.
The victim was taken to hospital with ‘serious injuries’, and GMP assures that he and his family are being supported at this time.
A scene remains in place at the retail park and some of the surrounding areas while the investigation is ongoing, and a large police presence can also been seen too as officers continue to collect evidence and piece together the events of what happened.
Police also believe the attack to be an ‘isolated incident’ with those involved known to each other, indicating no threat to the wider public.
“We understand this incident is shocking and took place in a very public space,” commented Inspector Andrew Clayton.
“There have been no arrests so far, but enquiries are ongoing to determine who is responsible. At this stage, we do believe the attack to be an isolated incident involving those known to one another.”
Alexandra Retail Park, where the incident occurred yesterday afternoon / Credit: Google Maps
In a bid to gather as much information as possible, a public police appeal has been made.
Inspector Clayton continues: “We have spoken to a number of witnesses so far, but would encourage anyone who believes they have any information or dash cam footage which could assist our investigation, particularly that which may help us identify the perpetrators, to come forward.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact GMP on 101, quoting log 1757 of 30/03/25, or by getting in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Emily Sergeant -
6th December 2022 
