RMT Union has announced that staff at East Midlands Railway (EMR) will strike on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The industrial action will affect train services on the route between Sheffield and London St Pancras.
Reduced Train Service and Operating Hours on August 15
On the strike day, only one train per hour will run between Sheffield and London St Pancras. Services will begin after 7am and conclude before 7pm, severely limiting travel options for passengers on this route. An EMR spokesperson said: “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.”
Passenger Alternatives and Travel Advice
Passengers holding pre-booked East Midlands Railway tickets can use alternative LNER services from Doncaster to London Kings Cross on August 15, according to National Rail. Travelers are urged to verify complete journey details due to the limited train operation hours and frequency on the strike day.
East Midlands Railway had already been reducing service capacity since July 2026 amid controversy in Sheffield. This included removing carriages from the 6:30am and 7:02pm trains and cancelling daily journeys at 2pm, 2:35pm, and 5pm. These changes have decreased available seats
and reduced travel flexibility.
Further disruption has resulted from the ongoing heatwave, which has forced trains to operate at slower speeds, contributing to additional delays prior to the strike.
