Train services at Telford Central station will be completely halted this weekend due to industrial action by members of the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association. Passengers are being warned that no trains will run on the Shrewsbury Line on Friday 22 May and Saturday 23 May 2026, forcing commuters, shoppers, and visitors to make alternative travel arrangements.
The strike, which involves staff such as roster clerks, control staff, and duty train crew managers, is part of a dispute over pay for working on rest days. The union is seeking parity with other rail unions who secured different terms in January 2025. Mediation efforts involving ACAS on 18 May 2026 failed to reach an agreement, confirming that the walkouts will go ahead.
According to West Midlands Railway, there will be no rail replacement transport available during the disruption. On Friday 22 May, services will finish early, with no trains running after 7pm. On Saturday 23 May, the limited network across the region will not start until 7am. Only three specific routes will operate during the strike period: the Cross City Line, the Wolverhampton to Walsall route, and the Rugeley to Birmingham International line.
West Midlands Railway Managing Director Ian McConnell has apologised to customers for the inconvenience and stated that the operator is working to minimise the impact of the strike. TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust described the union’s requests as modest, noting that the company has refused to provide their members with the same rest day pay terms as other staff.
Passengers who had planned to travel on the affected days are entitled to a full refund or can change their tickets to an alternative date. Those who hold monthly or longer season tickets may claim 100% compensation through the Delay Repay scheme.
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