Train strikes to go ahead for next six months

Train strikes will continue across the country for the next six months after members of ASLEF voted overwhelmingly in favour to continue strike action.

“Once again our members have decided, and made it clear we are in this for the long haul,” said general secretary Mick Whelan.

“ASLEF members, the key workers who kept our country moving through the pandemic, are simply asking for a fair deal on pay so that they can afford to keep up with their outgoings in this government-made cost of living crisis,” Whelan added.

Members of the union rejected a pay offer from the 16 train companies they are in dispute with, which included Gatwick Express and East Midlands Railway, in April this year.

The 4% increase was turned down by train drivers, with Whelan stating the offer was “clearly not designed to be accepted” with inflation running above 10%.

Train drivers and their unions have bucked the trade seen so far this of employers bending to the power of the unions, implementing pay rises that have brought an end to industrial action.

Staff at the largest soft drinks factory in Europe, located in Wakefield, agreed to an average 18% pay rise, stopping strikes that were due to start today.

Arriva bus drivers in London also agreed to a pay rise yesterday.

Strikes due to take place later this month have also been suspended at Heathrow as airport security staff mull an improved offer, although a further 29 days of planned action for the summer will take place if the offer is not satisfactory.