THOUSANDS of railway workers are to walk out again as a dispute over pay and working conditions continues.
Members of the Aslef union announced this morning they will down tools on September 15.
And following a string failed talks the RMT said this afternoon 40,000 of its members will now join them.
The RMT said it will “effectively shut down” the rail network.
A second day of strikes on September 17 has now been added.
Minor delays were anticipated for Sussex until this afternoon’s announcement - which is now expected to bring severe disruption, similar to the most recent strikes just weeks ago.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Our members have no choice but to continue this strike action.
“Network Rail and the train operating companies have shown little interest this past few weeks in offering our members anything new in order for us to be able to come to a negotiated settlement.
“Grant Shapps (Transport Secretary) continues his dereliction of duty by staying in his bunker and shackling the rail industry from making a deal with us.
“We will continue to negotiate in good faith, but the employers and Government need to understand our industrial campaign will continue for as long as it takes.”
Members of the RMT and Aslef will also be joined by those of the Transport Salaried Staffs Association.
Revised timetables for both dates are not yet known.
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