The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) has confirmed three separate 24-hour strikes on East Midlands Railway (EMR) services scheduled for Saturday August 1, 8, and 15, 2026. The strikes respond to EMR’s continued operation of the faulty Hitachi Rail Class 810 Aurora trains.
Service Reductions and Affected Routes
On strike days, EMR will operate a significantly reduced timetable, running trains only between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Service frequency will drop to one train per hour on Nottingham to London St Pancras, Sheffield to London St Pancras, and Corby to London St Pancras routes. Outside these hours and routes, many trains
will be cancelled or delayed. Short of strike industrial action will take place from August 2-7, 9-14, and from August 16 onwards. Regional EMR services outside the main strike routes will not be affected. The East Midlands Railway network services central and eastern England cities including London, Nottingham, Sheffield, Corby, Derby, Lincolnshire, and Norfolk.
Reason for Industrial Action: Faulty Class 810 Trains
The strike was initiated by RMT union members over safety concerns with the Class 810 Aurora trains operated by EMR. The union alleges these trains have faults causing communication loss between train drivers, dispatchers, and trackside control, with failures requiring full resets that leave trains without
active safety systems. RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said these failures occurred at least three times in the last week before the strike announcement. Despite multiple negotiation attempts, EMR refuses to withdraw the Class 810 trains, which it acknowledges have performance and reliability issues affecting toilets, air conditioning, and catering equipment.
Official Statements on Safety and Negotiations
EMR states the Class 810 fleet meets all required safety standards, with trains entering service only after completing rigorous testing approved by the independent regulator. An EMR spokesperson said, “Any suggestion that the Hitachi Rail Class 810 fleet does not meet the required safety standards is incorrect.” Philippa Cresswell,
EMR Customer Experience Director, apologized for the disruption and emphasized constructive talks with the RMT remain ongoing. The Department for Transport urged the RMT and CrossCountry to return to negotiations quickly in a bid to resolve the dispute.
Impact on Passengers and Travel Guidance
Passengers should expect cancellations and delays on strike dates August 1, 8, and 15, 2026. EMR advises travelling only if essential on these days and recommends checking train statuses beforehand. Passengers affected by cancellations or rescheduling are entitled to refunds or may use their tickets on alternative routes or operators. EMR will not provide rail replacement buses on strike days.
