The biggest rail strike in three decades is expected go ahead after last-ditch talks failed, the RMT union said.
A walk-out by 40,000 workers on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday will cause"total misery" according to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.
Mr Shapps said the walk-out was"totally wrong" and would inconvenience millions - including those like his own daughter who are taking exams. The strike is the result of a dispute over pay, jobs and conditions. The RMT is asking for a pay rise of 7% - lower than inflation but higher than that being offered by employers.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said latest offers from publicly-owned Network Rail and private train operating companies had been rejected.Mr Lynch blamed Mr Shapps for cutting billions of pounds in funding for public transport.
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