Robust Strategy for Managing Train Strike Actions in the UK

UK TRAIN STRIKES MANAGEMENT
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Analysis and Advice on Train Strikes in the UK from a Management Perspective
The recent train strikes in the United Kingdom have generated considerable controversy, with divergent opinions concerning their efficacy and appropriateness. While some see the strikes as a necessary and effective means for workers to advocate for their rights, others argue that they cause unwarranted disruptions to public transportation. To develop a more nuanced understanding of the situation, it is vital to scrutinise the reasons that underpin the strikes. Factors such as employee grievances and demands must be considered to craft effective strategies for managing strike actions. Train operating companies can benefit from employing various management theories, such as conflict management and negotiation, from pre-emptively addressing issues before they escalate. Besides, by cultivating a positive workplace culture, companies may be able to discourage future strikes altogether (Agarwal, 2018). In this paper, we will explore the significant debates surrounding the recent train strikes in the UK, discuss the critical antecedents of the strikes, and identify how management theories and concepts can be applied to help resolve the conflict. By doing so, we hope to provide a robust strategy for managing train strike actions in the UK in the future.
Overview of recent train strikes in the UK
The spate of recent train strikes in the United Kingdom can be attributed to a confluence of factors, most notably disputes concerning worker safety, remuneration, and alterations to work schedules. The Rail, Maritime, and Transport (RMT) union has been at the forefront of these industrial actions, organising a series of walkouts in late 2019 and early 2020 in response to the South Western Railway's (SWR) proposed changes to train guard roles (Macola, 2021). According to the RMT, these changes would undermine worker safety, a claim vehemently denied by SWR, which asserts that the alterations are essential for increased efficiency and cost reduction. This dispute follows from other industrial actions undertaken by the RMT in recent years, such as the 2018 strikes against Northern Rail's proposed driver-only operation policy (Topham, 2022). As in the case of SWR, the RMT asserted that the changes would compromise worker safety. However, Northern Rail eventually agreed to negotiate with the RMT, resolving the conflict (Gill, 2022). It is evident, then, that the recent train strikes in the UK are rooted in several complex concerns, with worker safety and remuneration taking centre stage. To prevent further disruptions, train operating companies must find a way to balance these worker concerns with the need to manage costs and maintain essential public transportation services.
The industrial action undertaken by train workers in the UK has significant implications for many stakeholders. The RMT union members, who are at the heart of the dispute, are seeking to highlight issues of pay, working conditions, and job security (Gill, 2022). Their concerns must be considered and addressed to resolve. The train operating...