Not getting paid for hours worked is illegal. There might be a delay of pay, with different pay days, but you will be paid.
Nothing wrong with asking for more money. It's the reaction to the answer that bothers me. But the cost of living increase is effecting everyone and the rail strikes are impacting people who rely on trains to commute to work.
That's unfortunate, but that's life. Specialist skills/qualifications/experience does not automatically mean big money. But it would be interesting to see some pay statistics for the rail workers, if you've seen any? I wouldn't be surprised if they were already making pretty good money.
Your quality of life point could be solved by seeking other employment. Employees are not shackled to their current jobs. They are free to move on to somewhere that suits them better. Jobs are often a balance between lots variables. Pay, hours, enjoyment, commute distance, stress etc. We can't always have it all. Zero hour contracts is something that I think should be dealt with. But trying not to sound like a broken record, find a different job with set contracted hours.
Pay freezes are effecting lots of people. These issues are not exclusive to the rail industry.