The rail strike: what are your rights?

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By Luke Jovetic
Know Your Money Editor

With Britain on the verge of its first national rail strike in 16 years next week it could be a worrying time for those who rely on trains to get around.

The dispute is due to safety fears and job cuts and could leave just one fifth of rail services in operation with up to 12,000 maintenance staff and 5,000 signallers on strike.

It is anticipated that all 24 UK train operating companies will be affected as signalling staff strike between 06:00 GMT and 10:00 and 18:00 and 22:00 on each day of the strike. Maintenance staff will strike for the whole four-day period.

Action has been called for by the Transport Salaried Staffs Association and the Rail Maritime and Transport Union (RMT).

When are the proposed strikes?

The industrial action is due to start on Tuesday April 6th and is set to last for four days - until Friday. The disruption could also lead to a host of rail services being cut the following weekend.

Many people may have already purchased tickets to travel and feel unsure about what their options are, but thankfully passengers will be able to claim a full refund for the cost of their ticket or take a later train from the same operator, the Association of Train Operating Companies has announced.

Travellers should contact whoever sold them the ticket to get their money back and this also applies to people who purchase a ticket on the day of travel.

If you have a season ticket then making a complaint will entitle you to an extra day of travel for each day of disruption, to claim this either call your train company or go to the ticket office at a station.

It may prove wise to check your train is running on the day you intend to travel as many cancelled trains might not be announced until then.

Taking a look at the National Rail Enquiries website could also provide you with information.

Strikes may still be blocked

Network Rail has revealed it intends to take legal action to prevent the strike across the country next week.

The case will be heard by the High Court in London and the company claimed to have found a host of "inaccuracies and deficiencies" in the ballot carried out by the RMT.

The union has been accused of failing to comply with the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act of 1992 in the ballot, which revealed a 54 per cent majority in favour of strikes.

Robin Gisby, director of operations and customer services, said: "We believe we have uncovered scores of inaccuracies and discrepancies that, in our view, makes it invalid. We have a responsibility to the entire country to head off this strike."

If you decide to take an alternative route

It has not yet been made clear what will happen to those people who have a ticket but opt to take another route to where they are going because of the uncertainties. If you decide to do this and your train runs then you may not be entitled to refund, although this is still being discussed.

Important Notice
This guide is intended for general information only and is not intended as, and does not constitute, any form of advice, recommendation or endorsement by us of any particular product(s) or services and you should rely on your own further research and professional advice in relation to your specific requirements and circumstances before purchasing any products or services. Use of this guide is subject to the Terms of Use of the KnowYourMoney site.