The RMT Union has announced strike action affecting East Midlands Railway (EMR) staff on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The strike will cause major disruptions to EMR services, particularly on routes connecting Sheffield and London, with significant reductions in train availability expected throughout the day.
Service Adjustments on Strike Day
East Midlands Railway will operate only one train per hour between Sheffield and London St Pancras from 7am until 7pm on August 15. Trains will start running after 7am and conclude before 7pm, limiting travel options severely during this period. An EMR spokesperson advised passengers to verify their full journey times, including the first and last
trains, prior to traveling on the strike day.
Passenger Alternatives and Previous Service Reductions
Passengers holding pre-booked EMR tickets can use London North Eastern Railway (LNER) services between Doncaster and London Kings Cross. EMR had announced earlier service cuts in July 2026, including reduced carriages on the 6:30am and 7:02pm trains and cancellation of the daily 2pm, 2:35pm, and 5pm journeys. A recent heatwave prior to the strike also forced slower train speeds, contributing to ongoing disruptions.
An East Midlands Railway spokesperson stated, “There will be a significantly reduced train service to/from London St Pancras with trains starting after 7am and finishing before 7pm only. We
advise you to check your full journey, including first and last trains, before travelling on these dates.”
The strike and prior service cuts have compounded travel difficulties for commuters and travelers on EMR routes between Sheffield, Leicester, Kettering, Bedford, Stevenage, and London St Pancras. Passengers are urged to plan ahead due to cancellations, limited frequency, and reduced carriage availability affecting the reliability of services on August 15.
EMR has faced criticism in Sheffield following the July service adjustments, adding to tensions as the strike disrupts normal operations further.
