- Merseyrail staff have voted to strike during The Open golf championship, which is set to cause significant disruption across the region.
- Merseyrail will prioritise services for The Open, operating a limited 15-minute service on the Southport line while no other services will run across the network.
- The Wirral line will face a complete shutdown this weekend if the strike proceeds, affecting transport for many.
- The strike action is scheduled to take place from Saturday, July 18 to Monday, July 20, amid ongoing pay disputes.
- Union members are currently voting on a revised pay offer from Merseyrail, which includes a 7.25% increase over two years, after an initial 4% offer was rejected.
- The Open Championship is a significant event for the region, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and benefiting local businesses and the tourism economy.
Merseyrail staff are set to strike from July 18-20, causing significant disruption across the rail network, particularly on the Wirral line, which will see a complete shutdown.
The strike is a result of a pay dispute, with union members voting on a revised offer of 7.25% over two years, following the rejection of an initial 4% increase.
Merseyrail plans to operate a limited service exclusively on the Southport line to facilitate travel for golf fans attending The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, with trains running every 15 minutes between 09:00 and 21:00 on Saturday and Sunday.8
However, no services will operate elsewhere on the network, leaving passengers in Wirral without options to reach the tournament.
Neil Grabham, Managing Director of Merseyrail, expressed hope that the revised offer would be accepted to avoid disruption during this crucial weekend for the Liverpool City Region, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors and supports local businesses.
The RMT union has emphasized the need for a negotiated settlement, stating, “Our members have voted for strike action in a row over pay and we continue to seek a negotiated settlement.”
As the situation develops, Merseyrail is working on contingency plans to minimize the impact of the strike on spectators and the local economy.
“Union members are voting on an improved pay offer after rejecting an initial 4% increase, with the ballot closing at midday Friday. If the strike proceeds, Merseyrail will operate a limited 15-minute service exclusively on the Southport line to transport spectators to Royal Birkdale.”
Liverpool Echo
Wirral Globe
