| Fresh train strikes are threatening to cause disruption during the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
The RMT union has announced another round of strikes on July 27 - just 24 hours before the start of the Games. It's possible some services could be affected the following day as the Games get under way but organisers will likely be breathing a sigh of relief that strike will take place before the sport starts.
However, that's not the only train strike planned for the coming weeks. Members of drivers' union Aslef have also voted overwhelmingly in favour of action but a date has not yet been announced.
Unions must give 14 days' notice, so the walkout will not be until the end of July at the earliest and there are fears the railways will grind to a halt during the Games, causing significant disruption for spectators trying to get around the region.
Transport bosses have been braced for the possibility of strikes causing disruption and have been drawing up contingency plans. Anyone travelling from the Black Country would also have the option of the Midland Metro if trains are out of action.
Travel disruption will be the last thing Commonwealth Games organisers want - particularly as they don't want spectators to drive. Parking will not be available at the Alexander Stadium, meaning any train strikes would threaten to cause chaos.
Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, said it would be "such a shame" if strike action disrupts one of the biggest events the region has ever seen.
He said: "The eyes of the world will be on our region when we play host to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games this summer and the sense of excitement and anticipation amongst local residents is building.
"It would be such a shame if strike action was to disrupt what should be an unbridled moment of collective celebration for us all." |
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