East Midlands Railway Strikes Hit Three August Weekends; What You Need to Know
RMT members are striking on August 1, 8, and 15 as a safety dispute over faulty Aurora trains escalates. Services across the East Midlands, Liverpool, Manchester, and London will be severely disrupted on weekends. Plan ahead if you're travelling to or from these regions.
The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) has announced three 24-hour strike days affecting East Midlands Railway services on Saturday 1 August, Saturday 8 August, and Saturday 15 August 2026. The union says the strike is in response to EMR refusing to withdraw faulty Class 810 Aurora trains from operation, which workers claim have dangerous faults that pose a safety risk.
What's Affected
EMR runs trains across central and eastern England, including crucial routes serving London, Liverpool, Manchester, Derby, Nottingham, Norfolk and Lincolnshire. Beyond the full strike days, the RMT has also announced "action short of strike" (reduced service, work-to-rule) on 2–7 August, 9–14 August, and from 16 August onwards. Passengers are advised to only travel if essential and to check their full journey before heading to stations.
What You Should Do
If you're planning to travel on EMR during August—whether heading to a festival, visiting another city, or commuting—check National Rail's live updates before you leave. Book tickets with flexible cancellation if possible. Accommodation near your destination might be wise if you can't change your travel dates. For routes outside the East Midlands (TfL London services, West Midlands Trains, CrossCountry), no strikes are currently planned, but always verify on the National Rail website before setting out.
Sources
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