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:
Trafford Centre begins months-long refurb of its iconic The Orient foodhall
Emily Sergeant
A new era for The Orient is on the horizon, as the Trafford Centre has begun its months-long refresh of its iconic foodhall.
Forming part of its ongoing commitment to ‘enhancing the visitor experience’, the Trafford Centre is investing in a major refresh of seating and customer facilities within The Orient – creating a more vibrant and welcoming environment for guests to eat, meet and relax.
Works are now underway and will be delivered in phases over the coming months.
Improvements are being carried out in phases to minimise disruption to shoppers, while creating a more comfortable and contemporary dining environment at the same time.
The refreshed area will increase seating capacity by more than 60%, introducing a range of new seating styles in the process – including banquettes, family-friendly tables, accessible seating for guests with mobility requirements, and dedicated areas equipped with phone and laptop charging facilities.
The Trafford Centre begins months-long refurb of its iconic The Orient foodhall / Credit: The Manc Group
Inspired by The Orient’s longstanding maritime heritage, the design takes cues from a contemporary cruise liner, and the space will also feature upgraded furniture and enhanced lighting, alongside flexible areas designed to encourage visitors to spend more time in there.
There’ll also be modern furnishings and a ‘refreshed’ colour palette to create a brighter and welcoming environment.
“The Orient is one of the most popular destinations within Trafford Centre, welcoming millions of visitors each year,” a Trafford Centre spokesperson said on the refurb.
“This investment reflects our commitment to continually improving the experience for our guests, creating a more modern, comfortable and social environment where visitors can meet, dine and spend time together.
“The improvements will not only significantly increase seating capacity but also deliver a much more flexible and accessible space for all visitors to enjoy.”
Featured Image – The Manc Group
News
Uber has officially started trialling driverless taxis in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
It’s official… driverless taxis have hit the streets of Manchester.
As the leading transportation company looks to bring robotaxis to other major cities around the UK, it has been confirmed that a trial of autonomous vehicles is now underway in Manchester – with the services being operated using the technology of Uber’s partner firms, Pony and Verne.
Uber said it was ‘excited’ to take this first step toward ‘making this technology accessible’ to people across the UK.
The three companies first collaborated on the deployment of a commercial robotaxi service back in March of this year, combining Pony.ai’s autonomous driving system, Uber’s global mobility platform, and Verne’s service ecosystem and operational framework.
At this time, there has been no official application to launch passenger services in Manchester, according to The Guardian.
However, posts on various social media platforms – such as X, LinkedIn, and Instagram – by each of the companies this week have confirmed that trials are underway in the city.
“New technologies play an increasingly important role in the growth of our city region,” TfGM said. “But they need to be introduced responsibly, safely and with real thought about what it means for our residents.
“Safety will always be our top priority, and we will need strong assurances that no vehicles will operate on our roads that pose any risk to residents.”
Manchester, we’re on our way! Today, we’re announcing that we’re partnering with @Verne_robotaxi and @PonyAI_tech to pilot autonomous vehicles in Manchester. Building on our service together in Zagreb, Gen-7 Robotaxis are now testing in Manchester.
We’re excited to take this first step toward making this technology accessible to people across the UK. 🇬🇧
“By bringing together Pony.ai’s proven autonomous driving technology, Verne’s operational and market expertise, and Uber’s global platform, we’re taking an important step toward making autonomous ride-hailing available to more riders in more places.”
Emily Sergeant -
6th December 2022 
