Contingency plans in place in case of rail strikes during Commonwealth Games

Birmingham City Council leader Councillor Ian Ward also ruled out any exemptions to the Clean Air Zone charge during the strikes starting next week.

His comments came during this week’s full council meeting where he was asked by the leader of the Conservative Group, Councillor Robert Alden, about whether contingency plans were in place for any further strikes affecting access to Games venues.

Councillor Ward said: “I would encourage all sides to get back around the table and come to a resolution. It is in nobody’s interests to see disruption in the coming weeks and months, including here.

“I very much hope that both sides will come up with a solution. We’ve been talking to the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee and Transport for West Midlands and contingencies are being put in place for the possibility of strikes during the Games.

“We very much hope that doesn’t happen, but if there is disruption on the railways we will do our best to put mitigating measures in place to ensure people can go to and from the city and Games venues.”

More than 40,000 Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union members from 13 train companies and Network Rail are set for industrial action on June 21, 23 and 25. The strike will be the union’s biggest in over 30 years as members argue pay freezes during the cost-of-living crisis are ‘unacceptable’.

Councillor Alden also asked the leader of the council: “The rail strike comes at a time of rising costs of living and extra costs for commuters. Does the leader commit to waiving all Clean Air Zone Charges during those days of strike action to ensure commuters can still get to work?”

In response, Councillor Ward confirmed there would be no exemptions to the charge on the days of industrial action, nor would there be any exemptions during the Commonwealth Games.

“The Clean Air Zone has led to a 13 per cent improvement in air quality,” he said. “It is not in the interests of anyone to disband the measures even on a temporary basis.

“I also don’t believe Councillor Alden’s own government would appreciate us lifting the charges even temporarily during the Games. We have to protect the health of people living and visiting the city during the Games, so no, we will not be lifting the Clean Air Zone during the Commonwealth Games.”

The Games do not start until July 28, but the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) has said its members on CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains and West Midlands Trains could strike in July over pay, conditions and job security.

Transport minister Wendy Morton MP recently said that railways have struggled to keep up with modern living and are in urgent need of reform.

She said: “I am disappointed that the industry is going for strike action because I do want to encourage people onto our railways.

“Some of the working practices are stuck in the past dare I say. Strikes should be the last resort, not the first.”

By Local Democracy reporter Tom Cramp