Further strike action likely over safety concerns with EMR trains

The RMT union says further strike action is likely unless East Midlands Railway withdraws trains it claims are unsafe.

The second of three planned 24-hour walkouts is taking place today, with a severely reduced rail service from Market Harborough.

The union wants EMR’s new Aurora trains taken out of service until faults are resolved.

John Watson, the RMT’s regional organiser, spoke to HFM:

RMT East Midlands Railway members on the picket line at Nottingham

East Midlands Railway insists its Aurora trains meet all required safety standards and says it is working to resolve the issues.

The union claims some trains have required a full system reset after entering service, which it says has temporarily left them without active safety systems, including communication links between train drivers, dispatchers and trackside staff.

EMR and train manufacturer Hitachi Rail have now agreed an action plan aimed at improving both the new Aurora fleet and the older Class 222 trains.

In a statement released this week, EMR said it was “confident” Hitachi Rail would address “all the performance issues that we have consistently pressed for”.

East Midlands Railway insists its Aurora trains meet all required safety standards

Hitachi Rail said it had increased its capacity for “modifications and testing” and was working with EMR and other partners to resolve the issues.

However, no estimated or definitive timeframe has been given for when services will return to a normal timetable.

The RMT has already staged one strike and has another walkout planned as part of the current dispute.