A RAIL worker insists this week's strikes which have brought much of the country to a halt were a "last resort" as he and his colleagues fight for better pay and working conditions. 

Scott Freeman, a telecommunicatiosn engineer for London Underground, joined a picket line outside Shoebury station yesterday as a second day of strikes got underway held. 

The 31-year-old, who is from Shoebury, was part of Tuesday's walk-out and spent his day off yesterday at the station offering refreshments to workers taking part in the strike.

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He said: "In general, the support for the strikes has been overwhelming from the public, with passers-by voicing their support. 

“Striking is a last resort, losing pay for a day or two is not something anyone relishes during the current climate, but we have to fight for our conditions to not be poorer now and to not be poorer in retirement. 

“Striking union members of the past have won a lot of the working conditions enjoyed today by all. 

“We want the best possible terms and conditions for all workers in the country.”

Mr Freeman, who is a dad to two young children, is a rep for the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport workers which is behind this week's strikes. 

As he is a London Underground worker, he was only due to strike on Tuesday. 

Workers for Greater Anglia and c2c were part of yesterday's strikes and will also be walking-out on Saturday over the ongoing dispute.

Outlining why strike action was the only option left for him, Mr Freeman said: “I perform a skilled role, working on an array of different equipment, antiquated to modern technology.

“Working unsociable hours, never having a set pattern is difficult when being a father of two young children.

“We work down tunnels, up ladders, under desks.

“RMT reps regularly meet with managers to discuss and improve health and safety within our roles. 

“This strike means a lot to me, and the other workers because we are all normal people with families and bills who want security and a future and we're willing to fight for it.”