Rail staff strikes are set to take place again this week, affecting train services through Alfreton and the rest of the region.

Members of the RMT union – made up of over 50,000 railway workers nationally – went on strike yesterday (Tuesday, June 21) in a dispute over pay.

They are set to go on strike again tomorrow (Thursday, June 23) and Saturday (June 25), affecting train services across the country.

Mick Lynch, RMT general secretary, said: “Railway workers have been treated appallingly and despite our best efforts in negotiations, the rail industry with the support of the government has failed to take their concerns seriously.

“We have a cost of living crisis, and it is unacceptable for railway workers to either lose their jobs or face another year of a pay freeze when inflation is at 11.1 per cent and rising.

“Our union will now embark on a sustained campaign of industrial action which will shut down the railway system.”

As a result of the strikes, East Midlands Railway (EMR) has said that services through Alfreton will be reduced.

There will only be one train per hour between Nottingham and Sheffield tomorrow and on Saturday.

Services will also be reduced elsewhere in the EMR region, while some routes will close altogether.

EMR is urging people to only travel by train if absolutely necessary, and has warned that the strikes could potentially impact on services due to take place the following day.

Will Rogers, managing director for EMR, said: “There will be changes to our normal timetable and some parts of our network will have no train services on strike days and other lines will have a reduced level of service.

“I would urge all customers to think carefully about their journeys – and make alternative arrangements if possible.”

You can find the latest information about how the strikes are – or will – impact on train services locally by visiting the EMR website here.