Strike action planned by RMT union members against East Midlands Railway (EMR) has been suspended following substantial concessions from management. The 24-hour strike, set to commence at 12:00 BST on a Wednesday, was called off after progress in addressing safety concerns related to the Aurora Class 810 trains. However, the union plans an action short of strike for 20 September 2026 if unsolicited brake applications occur during operations.
Aurora Class 810 Faults and Mitigation Efforts
The Aurora Class 810 trains were introduced into EMR service in December 2025. Since April 2026, the RMT union has been disputing the operation of these trains due to multiple faults including
unsolicited brake applications, Aux On/Off failures, communication breakdowns between drivers and dispatch, defective toilets, broken air conditioning units, faulty doors, and instances where trains were stranded on the tracks. EMR and manufacturer Hitachi Rail have increased maintenance activities, testing, and modifications to resolve these issues, and an Aux reset procedure was agreed upon with the union to improve reliability.
Statements from RMT, EMR, and Hitachi Rail
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey praised members for their resolve to ensure safety, stating, “We all want to ensure a safe railway and RMT members at EMR will remain vigilant in the fight for safety.” Dempsey also criticized EMR for not
accepting the union’s full demands on brake and Aux system faults. EMR’s Customer Experience Director Philippa Cresswell welcomed the strike suspension, noting the chance to work constructively with the union and Hitachi Rail. An EMR spokesperson highlighted, “Working closely with Hitachi, we have made significant and measurable progress in addressing the concerns raised by the RMT and improving the reliability and comfort of our trains, while maintaining our absolute commitment to safety.” Hitachi Rail confirmed it had increased maintenance and testing capacity as part of its joint action plan.
Potential Service Disruptions and Traveller Impact
Although the strike was suspended, East Midlands Railway services remain at
risk of disruption due to the planned action short of strike on 20 September. This action targets unsolicited brake applications which could halt trains, potentially causing delays or cancellations across the EMR network. The ongoing safety concerns with the Aurora Class 810 fleet have diminished staff confidence and affected the normal operation of trains throughout the region.
Background on New Train Fleet Safety and Union Involvement
The dispute highlights recurring challenges in introducing new rolling stock safely. The RMT union’s involvement reflects its role in enforcing safety standards following Aurora trains’ launch in December 2025. The identification of multiple faults—especially safety-critical unsolicited brake activations—triggered the dispute starting in April
2026. EMR and Hitachi have been collaborating to improve system reliability, but the union maintains pressure to ensure operational safety until all issues are resolved.
