Train strikes to hinder hospitality

Trade body UKHospitality has said that rail strikes are set to cost hospitality £132m in sales, bringing the cumulative impact of the strikes to £3.25bn.

Members of Aslef are on strike today (Wednesday 31 May) and Saturday (3 June), the day of the FA Cup final, where Manchester City play Manchester United at Wembley Stadium.

RMT will be striking on Friday 2 June, which will affect 14 train services across the country.

"The May half term normally represents a bumper week for hospitality, with typically sunny weather encouraging families to head out on activities, visits and staycations," says UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls. "Unfortunately, we’ve seen time and time again that rail strikes put a significant dampener on any sales as visitors are deterred from booking visits or eating and drinking out. This time around that means families staying at home and football fans travelling to the capital for the FA Cup final disrupted.

"It’s critical for the public, workers and businesses that there is a resolution in this dispute as soon as possible. I would urge all involved to get back round the negotiating table for constructive discussions to reach an agreement.”

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch told the i newspaper: "The government is once again not allowing the Rail Delivery Group to make an improved offer that we can consider. Therefore, we have to pursue our industrial campaign to win a negotiated settlement on jobs, pay and conditions.

"Ministers cannot just wish this dispute away. They underestimate the strength of feeling of our members, who have just given us a new six-month strike mandate, continue to support the campaign and the action and are determined to see this through until we get an acceptable resolution."

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