East Midlands Railway (EMR) will experience strike action by RMT union members on three Saturdays in August 2026: the 1st, 8th and 15th. The strike follows an ongoing dispute linked to the introduction and safety of EMR’s new Class 810 Aurora train fleet.
Reduced Services on Key Intercity Routes
On the strike dates, EMR will operate a limited timetable between 07:00 and 19:00 restricted to Intercity and Connect routes. Trains will run at a frequency of one per hour on the Nottingham to London St Pancras, Sheffield to London St Pancras, and Corby to London St Pancras corridors. EMR cautioned that no rail replacement buses will
be provided for affected services. Regional routes will continue to run without disruption.
Dispute Over Class 810 Aurora Train Safety Since April 2026
The industrial action is rooted in safety concerns voiced by the RMT union since April 2026 regarding the Class 810 Aurora trains being deployed on EMR services. The RMT claims these trains have exhibited numerous faults and pose operational risks. The union alleges that some trains are prone to failures requiring a full reset procedure that disables safety systems temporarily.
Operational Faults and Safety Risks
An operational briefing examined by www.bbc.com explains the reset process mandatory on some Class 810 units. The procedure, lasting about 20 minutes, temporarily disables several safety-critical systems
and removes the driver’s usual communication methods with signalers. RMT asserts this creates heightened risks of uncontrolled evacuations during faults.
Passenger Impact and Travel Advice
Passengers on EMR Intercity and Connect routes should expect significant cancellations and timetable modifications on strike Saturdays 1, 8 and 15 August. The operator urges travel only if essential on these dates. No substitute bus services will be arranged. Between 2 and 7 August, 9 and 14 August, and from 16 August onwards, RMT has planned action short of strike, which may cause short-notice train cancellations or alterations.
Official Comments from RMT and EMR
Eddie Dempsey, RMT general secretary, stated that union representatives at EMR have
been “extremely patient” in attempting to resolve safety disputes and criticized management for issuing safety notices without union consultation. He demanded the immediate removal of all fault-affected Class 810 trains from service until safety can be guaranteed.
EMR’s Customer Experience Director, Philippa Cresswell, apologized to passengers affected by the strikes and affirmed that EMR is engaging constructively with the RMT. She disputed any claims that Class 810 trains do not meet safety standards, noting the fleet commenced service only after clearing all mandated testing by the independent regulator.
