East Midlands Railway issues advice for next week’s rail strikes – RailAdvent

New Luton Airport Expreass train. // Credit: East Midlands Railway

There will be severe disruption to East Midlands Railway’s (EMR) train services next week because of industrial action being taken by members of the RMT and ASLEF unions.

On Wednesday, 31st May and Saturday, 3rd June, members of the ASLEF union will be on strike, which affects train drivers.

As a consequence, East Midlands Railway in common with other train operating companies will be unable to operate any trains throughout the country.

Customers should expect possible short-notice cancellations or alterations on Thursday, June 1.

This is due to action short of a strike taking place by members of the ASLEF Union.

On Friday, 2nd June, the RMT union is taking industrial action, which means that East Midlands Railway will only be able to operate a much-reduced service, and only between 0730 and 1830.

The last trains will depart from their originating point between 1500 and 1630.

Because of engineering works north of Derby, Intercity trains will start from Derby instead of Sheffield.

However, CrossCountry will operate a shuttle service between Sheffield and Derby, and East Midlands Railway customers can travel between Sheffield and Nottingham from where they can catch London services.

On strike days, customers should attempt to travel by rail only if absolutely necessary.

Also, as the strike action affects other operators, there will be very few services running across the entire rail network.

Before travelling, customers should also make sure to check East Midlands Railway’s website at and in stations and social media for journey information, and the latest advice and information.

The following services will be affected by strike action:

Wednesday, May 31

Thursday, June 1

• The ASLEF union is taking action short of a strike, and there may be cancellations or alterations at short notice.

Friday, 2 June

• Customers are advised to only travel if necessary.
• East Midlands Railway services will operate between 0730 and 1830 only.

One Train Per Hour will operate on the following routes.

EMR Intercity

EMR Connect

• between Corby and London St Pancras

EMR Regional

• between Derby and Nottingham
• between Sheffield and Nottingham
• between Leicester and Lincoln (stopping service)
• between Mansfield Woodhouse and Nottingham

Between Nottingham and Skegness, there will be a two-hourly service calling only at Grantham, Sleaford, Boston, and Skegness.

All other East Midlands Railway routes will be closed, and there will be no rail replacement bus services.

Saturday, 3 June

Will Rogers, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway, said: “Unfortunately, we will be unable to run any services next Wednesday and Saturday and only a limited number on Friday.

“On Friday, we are advising customers to plan ahead and only travel by rail if absolutely necessary and understand how the engineering works north of Derby affect their journey.

“Customers are also strongly advised to check when the time of their last train is before setting off.”