Explain train strikes to me if tickets can still be bought

[NCTDN]

I really don't understand. Of train strikes are announced, why can you still buy tickets? Looking to buy a ticket for next Sunday (6th) and I can get one no problem, but will the train run?

Strikes can get cancelled at any time. No-one knows what trains will run on that day. Thats why they suggest you make other plans if possible.

I thought 6th was not a strike day? 5th, 7th, 9th here (RMT)

I think it’s because maybe they’re not allowed to ask specific staff if they’re going to strike or not? In my unrelated industry managers aren’t allowed to ask anyway and maybe it’s the same for trains.? So they won’t know until day. Maybe all services will go ahead (unlikely) or none.

I think they cancelled the strikes on 6th due to remembrance?

Tickets can be bought on trains where there is no room for any more passengers. It is just a step up from that.

Ah so these screenshots suggest that there's no actual strike on the Sunday, but it could be very busy because there's strikes the day before and also the day after. Have I got that right?

The union ballots for a strike. The strike days are announced. There are two groups of workers - in the union, not in the union. Depending on how many workers turn up - the non-union workers and any union workers who choose not to strike - some trains may run.

No one knows the scale of the impact until the day.

Yes busy plus often all the trains are in the wrong place so it is a mess.

When they stop working on Friday 4th they may no have all the trains where they need to be on Sunday 6th.

I would avoid travelling if possible, personally, and certainly not rely on first or last train on any route.

Yes that is right, and service starts later than normal and may be more limited.