Signal workers have now voted to support a strike which will affect the entire rail infrastructure of the UK. If an agreement is not negotiated with management by Thursday, the union says that a strike is inevitable. If signallers do not work, the whole network will have to close down, which means that cargo that normally moves by rail – especially heavy freight such as building materials and metals – will be at a standstill. Passenger and freight services would be unable to operate, as signalling staff are key to the safety of the operation.