The RMT union has signaled potential strike action against East Midlands Railway (EMR) following disputes over the safety of the operator’s new Class 810 fleet. The union is calling for the trains to be removed from service until performance and reliability issues are resolved.
Safety Concerns Regarding “Aux Off / Aux On” Reset
At the center of the dispute is a technical procedure known as an Aux Off / Aux On
reset, which is used to recover certain faults on the Class 810 units. According to an operational briefing seen by the BBC, this process involves informing control, signalling, and operations staff that a reset may be necessary for trains that are likely to fail.
The briefing states that the reset process takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. During this time, the train experiences a temporary loss of several safety-critical systems. The document notes that this creates an increased risk of an uncontrolled evacuation and removes the driver’s normal means of communication with the signaller.
RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey stated that union representatives at EMR have been extremely patient
in attempting to engage with management regarding these concerns. Dempsey further alleged that the company has issued safety notices without involving, consulting, or negotiating with the representatives who advocate for staff members considered to be at the highest risk.
Company and Manufacturer Responses
East Midlands Railway maintains that the Hitachi Rail Class 810 fleet entered passenger service only after successfully completing all required testing and meeting rigorous safety standards.
An EMR spokesperson acknowledged that the fleet has encountered performance and reliability issues since entering service and confirmed the operator is working with the manufacturer, Hitachi Rail, to resolve these matters.
Regarding the ongoing deployment of the fleet, EMR stated that the rollout will continue in a controlled manner
throughout the remainder of 2026 and 2027.
Hitachi Rail reported that the Class 810 fleet has been in passenger service with East Midlands Railway since December 2025, with more than one-third of the total fleet delivered to date. A spokesperson for Hitachi Rail said the company is working closely with industry partners to implement improvements and support the transition to the new Aurora trains. To assist in this effort, the manufacturer is investing in additional testing at the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre, aimed at improving fleet introduction and the delivery of the remaining trains.
Context of the Dispute
The RMT, which has been in dispute with EMR since April 2026, is demanding that the trains be taken out of service until they are proven to be operating properly. The union’s stance emphasizes that the current operational status of the Class 810 units presents unacceptable risks to both staff and passengers. As the dispute continues, both the operator and the manufacturer maintain their focus on stabilizing the performance of the new fleet while navigating the transition from older train models. EMR has not yet confirmed any changes to its operational strategy in response to the union’s strike threat, while the RMT continues to press for the suspension of the fleet’s service based on their safety assessments.
