Commuters at Farnham railway station have given a mixed reaction to news of more rail strikes over Christmas.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) has announced a further three days of strike action, from 6pm on Christmas Eve until December 27.

This follows the earlier announcement of 48-hour strikes on December 13-14, 16-17, January 3-4 and 6-7.

Rail services have already been cancelled on the Alton and Portsmouth lines six times this year because of strike action.

And Network Rail has warned rail disruption is expected to last from December 13 until January 9. 

Speaking to the Herald on the platform at Farnham station, commuters were split on whether or not to support the striking rail workers in their dispute over pay.

Mike, from Farnham, echoed the sentiments of the RMT saying: “Similar to a number of sectors in this country, rail workers have been left behind when it comes to pay and benefits and if no-one is going to do anything about it they’re only recourse is strike action.”

He said he supported industrial action continuing into next year and added: “Hopefully someone gets off their backside and does something to change the situation!”

Another commuter, Sean, echoed Mike’s views: “Of course strikes are very inconvenient for people, but that’s the whole point of them.”

Their views were contrasted by fellow traveller Victoria, who felt the rail workers had rejected a fair deal and that “train drivers are on a pretty decent salary compared to other public sector workers”.

She added the people of Farnham “are at the end of their tether” because of the continued strike action and that striking over Christmas was “appalling”. Asked how locals will respond, Victoria said: “People should use trains less and work from home.”

Article by Imo Mayhook-Walker