RMT strike action to affect EMR services on 1, 8 and 15 August

The RMT union has announced strike action on Saturday, 1 August, Saturday, 8 August and Saturday, 15 August 2026.

Customers are advised to only travel if their journey is essential and to check their full journey, including first and last trains, before travelling on these dates.

In addition to strike action, the RMT has also notified EMR that members will be taking Action Short of Strike (ASOS), from Sunday 2 to Friday 7 August (inclusive), Sunday 9 to Friday 14 August (inclusive) and from Sunday 16 August until further notice. Trains may be subject to short notice alterations and cancellations. Please check before you travel.

Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway, said: "We're sorry to customers whose journeys will be affected by this industrial action.

"We know the disruption this will cause and are advising customers to only travel if their journey is essential on Saturday 1, 8 and 15 August, as we will be operating a significantly reduced timetable between 07:00 and 19:00.

"EMR continues to engage in constructive discussions with the RMT in the hope of resolving this dispute as quickly as possible.

"The dispute relates to concerns raised about the introduction of our new Class 810 Aurora fleet. Any suggestion that the trains do not meet the required safety standards is incorrect. The Class 810 fleet entered passenger service only after successfully completing all required testing and meeting the rigorous safety standards required by the independent regulator."

Saturday 1 August

Customers are advised to only travel if their journey is essential.

EMR Intercity 

• Services will operate between 07:00 and 19:00 only
• One train per hour between Nottingham and London St Pancras
• One train per hour between Sheffield and London St Pancras

EMR Connect

• Services will operate between 07:00 and 19:00 only.
• One train per hour between Corby and London St Pancras

EMR Regional

• Regional services are unaffected by the strike action and will operate as normal

Customers are advised to check their full journey before travelling.

Customers should also note that a significantly reduced service will operate on the West Midlands Railway network on Friday 31 July and Saturday 1 August due to separate strike action by members of the TSSA union. Customers travelling on those dates are advised to check their full journey before travelling.

Saturday 8 August

Customers are advised to only travel if their journey is essential

EMR Intercity 

• Services will operate between 07:00 and 19:00 only
• One train per hour between Nottingham and London St Pancras
• One train per hour between Sheffield and London St Pancras

EMR Connect

• Services will operate between 07:00 and 19:00 only
• One train per hour between Corby and London St Pancras

EMR Regional

• Regional services are unaffected by the strike action and will operate as normal
• No rail replacement bus services will be provided
• Customers are advised to check their full journey before travelling

Saturday 15 August

Customers are advised to only travel if their journey is essential

EMR Intercity

• Services will operate between 07:00 and 19:00 only
• One train per hour between Nottingham and London St Pancras
• One train per hour between Sheffield and London St Pancras

EMR Connect

• Services will operate between 07:00 and 19:00 only
• One train per hour between Corby and London St Pancras

EMR Regional

• Regional services are unaffected by the strike action and will operate as normal

Customers should continue to check the EMR website for the latest information: Industrial Action | EMR