Strike dates 2023: From trains to passport offices, here are the dates to know

All upcoming train strike dates have been cancelled by the RMT after the union received a new deal from the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) that could bring the industrial action to an end. 

The union has entered talks with the RDG, which manages 14 operators across the UK, to thrash out an agreement on pay, job security and working conditions. 

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But you could still face serious delays to your plans if you plan to travel overseas with a huge five-week strike set to hit the Passport Office. Members of the Public and Commercial Services Union say they haven’t seen a real pay rise in years, resorting to industrial action which will further add to the delays in passport processing that can already take up to 10 weeks.

A breakthrough may be on the horizon for industrial action in the NHS, as healthcare unions have paused strike action as a new pay deal from the government is put to members.

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The government has offered a 5.2 per cent pay rise from April, as well as a one-off payment of 2 per cent of their salary, plus a 4 per cent Covid recovery bonus. 

If union members accept the offer, it could see an end to strike action from nurses, paramedics, 999 call handlers, midwives, security guards and hospital cleaners. Union members are set to vote on whether to accept the new pay deal.

Junior doctors work for the NHS under a different contract, with the British Medical Association still engaged in a separate dispute over pay with the government.

As the cost of living crisis continues, pay rises – either in line with inflation, or near to it – remain top of the agenda for all striking workers, as well as improvements to working conditions and preventing job cuts. 

Despite the ongoing disruption to essential services, recent polling from Sky News shows rising support for striking workers. In a survey of more than 2,000 adults, 37 per cent said they support unions, up from 35 per cent in November.

What are the strike dates in March 2023?

Thursday March 30

Suspended: RMT railway employees walk out at 14 train operators.

What are the strike dates in April 2023?

Saturday April 1

Suspended: RMT train strike continues, coinciding with the start of the school Easter holidays.

Monday April 3

Passport Office workers in England, Scotland and Wales start a five-week strike, ending May 5. Workers in Northern Ireland are casting their votes and may join the strike.

Tuesday April 11

Junior doctors start four-day strike starting at 7am, ending at 7am on April 15.

We’ll keep you updated as more strike dates are announced.