Tracks of Solidarity: Public Opinion and Railway Worker Strikes

Abstract

This study investigates the factors influencing public support for railway worker strikes in the United Kingdom. Using a seven-wave survey conducted from December 2022 to October 2023, the paper explores the relationship between public opinion and strike action in the context of British railways. Our analysis considers socioeconomic, political, and geographical factors. Key findings indicate significant variation in support based on political alignment, with right-leaning individuals and those who voted Conservative in the 2019 General Election showing less support for strikes. Surprisingly, proximity to railway stations and income levels did not significantly impact public support. Regional analysis reveals the North East of England, an area with lower rail usage, exhibits higher support for strikes. Furthermore, we find higher levels of support for strikes among ethnic minority groups. This paper contributes to understanding public sentiments on transport strikes, highlighting the complexity of public opinion shaped by political and regional factors. These insights are useful for policymakers and trades unions in addressing the challenges of public transport strikes and their broader societal impacts.