DOZENS of rail workers came together to strike outside Bournemouth station amid a dispute over job losses and demands for a pay rise.

Workers and members of the public joined forces in a picket line outside the station holding signs calling for support of their strikes.

No passenger trains travelled through Dorset on Tuesday and people were left unable to get to work as a result of the strike action.

READ MORE: Rail strikes: Bournemouth train station deserted

Bournemouth Echo:

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union confirmed strikes were also planned on Thursday, June 23 and Saturday June 25, and no passenger trains will run through the county then either.

One disgruntled passenger, Sergio Spicer, was unable to get to work in the New Forest due to the strikes. He said he lost income and said the action was “selfish”.

Mr Spicer said: “I think as a nation we know where we’re heading with the economy.

“Pay increases in line with inflation is something we’d all like, but I think when you’re self-employed you don’t have that, and hundreds of thousands of employees don’t have that opportunity.

“Do I think it’s a little selfish? Yes. Do I think the trade unions are being selfish? Yes.

“What do people want? Is it down to greed? I’ve lost money today, I can’t get to my work unless I take a taxi which could cost me £30, thank you very much.

“I use the train service very, very often and I’m very disappointed. It’s not worth me spending that kind of money to get to the New Forest, therefore I’m going to lose a day’s income.

“Be grateful you’ve got a job, be grateful you’re putting food on the table. Yes, gas and electricity has gone up, but we’re all suffering, and not everybody is striking.

“Don’t upset the normal person going to work because you’re not going to get us onside.”

READ MORE: Rail strike in Dorset: Key information on train services

Bournemouth Echo:

Elsewhere, two fast trains an hour will run between Waterloo and Southampton and South Western Railway customers are urged to only travel by rail if absolutely necessary between June 21 and 26.

The RMT tweeted the strikes were a bid to protect jobs and services which in turn protect the climate.

It said most workers have a salary of £25,000 to £31,000 and have not had a pay rise in the last “two or three years”.

Rail workers striking at the Bournemouth station declined to talk and the RMT were approached for a comment.