“It’s ruining my life!” Portsmouth reacts to ‘ridiculous’ rail strikes
The first 10 days of October saw nationwide or local rail strikes almost every day — and more industrial action is planned in coming weeks, threatening to cause chaos on Britain’s rail network.
Commuters and train travellers in Portsmouth were among many thousands of people who had their journeys disrupted - 2,100 South Western Railway workers of the RMT union went on strike over the weekend of October 8 and 9 over ongoing dissatisfaction with pay and working conditions.
Train Driver Steve Herbert, who primarily operates between Portsmouth and London, said: “The cost of living and inflation has increased, but sadly wages haven’t.
“The strike is also about changes to working conditions and the introduction of more Driver Only Operated services.”
Mr Herbert explained that should a realistic inflation-matched pay offer not come forward, further strike action could follow in the coming months.
One passenger said: “I have just begun university and I trust my commute to get in, I’ve missed half my lectures already.”
Another disgruntled traveller who had to miss a Portsmouth football game due to a rail strike said: “It’s ridiculous — this train business is ruining my life!”
Portsmouth FC tweeted prior to the October 8 match against Fleetwood about the difficulties commuting supporters would face, aiming to connect supporters in need of lifts from surrounding areas.
