EMR Strike to Slash Services on 15 August
East Midlands Railway passengers face major disruption on Saturday as RMT members take strike action across parts of the network. EMR is advising people to travel only if their journey is essential, with Intercity and Connect services running for a much shorter period than usual. Regional routes will be less affected, although some journeys will still change and last-minute cancellations remain possible around the strike.
What Changes on 15 August
- Strike date: Saturday, 15 August
- Intercity and Connect: Operate from 07:00 until before 19:00
- Nottingham–London: One train per hour
- Sheffield–London: One train per hour
- Corby–London: One train per hour
- First Class: Temporarily open to all passengers on Intercity trains
- Liverpool–Norwich: No stops at Alfreton, Langley Mill or Ilkeston
- Alternative: Northern replacement buses serve the missed stations at no extra cost
Most EMR Regional services are expected to run normally, but Sheffield will have a significantly reduced service. First Class passengers with existing tickets or season tickets can contact EMR about a refund because premium accommodation will be declassified during the strike timetable. Anyone who bought a ticket through another retailer should approach that company directly. EMR also warns that services may change at short notice.
The disruption extends beyond Saturday. RMT members have also been taking Action Short of Strike between 9 and 14 August, with another period beginning on 16 August and continuing until further notice. That means passengers travelling after the main walkout could still face alterations or cancellations. Anyone connecting through Nottingham, Sheffield or London should check both the first and last trains before setting out.
"To help as many customers as possible during this period, we will temporarily declassify First Class on our Intercity services so that everyone can make use of the full seating capacity available."
Saturday trips will need more flexibility than usual, especially for anyone relying on evening trains. With Intercity and Connect services ending before 19:00, a journey that looks possible earlier in the day may leave no suitable return train. Checking the full itinerary shortly before departure matters more than relying on a timetable saved in advance, while First Class passengers should keep their booking details if they plan to request a refund.
