This week the largest rail strike in a generation took place, with Oxford city councillors joining striking transport workers on the picket line.

The strikes, which took place on Tuesday (June 21), Thursday (June 23) and today (June 25), were brought by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers in a bitter dispute over pay, jobs and conditions.

During the course of the week, councillors representing different wards in Oxford joined the workers on the picket line outside Oxford Railway Station.

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Chris Jarvis, leader of the Green Party Group on the Oxford City Council and who represents St Mary’s, said on Thursday:  "It's brilliant to see yet more people joining striking RMT workers, and today’s turnout on the picket line has been fantastic.

“Members of the public have been showing their support and solidarity, bringing drinks and snacks and encouraging people not to cross the picket line.

"I was proud to be joined by other city councillors today who are also supporting the RMT.

“It's clear that there is a consensus growing that rail workers deserve a proper pay rise and job security, and that the government and the rail companies need to get round the table and listen properly to the workers' demands."

Labour councillor Paula Dunne, who represents Cowley, also said on Thursday: “I joined the picket today because like all workers in the UK, we should be invested in and supportive of the rail strike.

“When companies attempt to worsen work conditions and pay, we must stand united and demand better.

“There is a reason why Thatcher attacked unions in the 80s because when we act collectively, we are powerful and we make change.

“This Tory government has always put profit before people which is why we have workers in full time employment relying on food banks.”

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This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.

You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry

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