After the rail strikes in June that caused disruption throughout the UK, further strikes have been announced for late July and August.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) at Network Rail and 14 train operators will walk out on August 18 and 20.

This is in addition to a strike on July 27, the day before the Commonwealth Games open in Birmingham.

The companies involved in the RMT strikes are: Network Rail, Chiltern Railways, Cross Country Trains, Greater Anglia, LNER, East Midlands Railway, c2c, Great Western Railway, Northern Trains, SouthEastern, South Western Railway, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains and GTR (including Gatwick Express).

Chester and District Standard: Train strikes caused chaos across the UK in June (PA)Train strikes caused chaos across the UK in June (PA)

Additionally, the drivers’ union Aslef also announced its members at eight train companies will strike on July 30 as part of the same dispute.

When are the next train strikes?

Wednesday, July 27 - RMT

Saturday, July 30 - Aslef

Thursday, August 18 - RMT

Saturday, August 20 - RMT

What did the RMT and Network Rail have to say on the issue?

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “The rail industry and the Government need to understand that this dispute will not simply vanish.

“They need to get serious about providing an offer on pay which helps deal with the cost-of-living crisis, job security for our members and provides good conditions at work.

“Recent proposals from Network Rail fell well short on pay and on safety around maintenance work.

“And the train operating companies have not even made us a pay offer in recent negotiations.

“Now Grant Shapps (Transport Secretary) has abandoned his forlorn hopes for the job of prime minister, he can now get back to his day job and help sort this mess out.

Chester and District Standard: Mick Lynch on the picket line in June (PA)Mick Lynch on the picket line in June (PA)

“We remain open for talks, but we will continue our campaign until we reach a negotiated settlement.”

Andrew Haines, chief executive of Network Rail, said: “By announcing even more strike dates, the RMT has dropped any pretence that this is about reaching a deal.

“It’s clear the best interests of passengers and our staff are taking second place to the union’s bosses’ political campaign.”