Widespread walkouts continue to cripple Britain’s rail network

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) – Nationwide strikes have been continuing to cripple Britain’s rail network, as unions are taking another huge day of industrial action over pay, job security and working conditions.

No trains operate across England as drivers are holding their second 24-hour strike this week. The unions criticized the government for rejecting demand for their 8% rise, which reflects the rising cost of living.

Members of the Aslef union for train drivers and the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) are joining the strike action.

The boss of the train drivers' union warned that the strikes could last until 2026.

"I think we're in this for the long haul. How long is a piece of string?" said Mick Whelan, general secretary of the Aslef union, when asked by LBC, a British talk radio station, how much longer union members can financially manage striking.

He told the broadcaster: "If we don't get a pay rise for four years, will it be five, will it be six, will it be seven? Will it be stupid to stop this now then restart it some time in the future because you'd lose any impetus that you've gained?"