Train drivers across the UK are set to cause disruption to the rail network as they stage a fresh wave of strikes and overtime bans starting in May. These actions are a result of an ongoing dispute over pay between the train drivers’ union, Aslef, and 16 rail companies.
According to the union, its members will walk out on various days from 7 to 9 May. In addition, all members will refuse to work any overtime from 6 May to 11 May. The strike dates for each affected rail company are as follows:
– Tuesday 7 May: c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express, and South Western Railway
– Wednesday 8 May: Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, and West Midlands Trains
– Thursday 9 May: LNER, Northern Trains, and TransPennine Express
The overtime ban, which is an action short of a strike, will take place from Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May. This means that some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days. Passengers are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.
The strikes and overtime bans have a significant impact on services, with some lines experiencing cancellations or reduced services. Passengers can use the National Rail’s journey planner to keep track of train schedules, which will be updated regularly.
The ongoing dispute between Aslef and the rail companies is due to the union rejecting a two-year offer of 4% in 2022 and another 4% this year. Aslef argues that the offer is below the current rate of inflation and is linked to changes in terms and conditions. They also highlight that train drivers have not had a pay increase in five years since their last pay deals expired in 2019.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, Aslef’s general secretary Mick Whelan has stated that the pay offer of 4% in 2022 and another 4% is “dead in the water.” This has led to the union’s decision to continue with industrial action.
In addition to the strikes in May, there have been regular strikes on London Underground. While there are currently no planned walkouts for drivers, customer service managers are set to strike on Friday 26 April in a dispute over terms and conditions. This will be followed by an overtime ban from Monday 29 April to Friday 5 May.
The Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) has expressed concern about the impact of these strikes, with some Tube stations expected to close at short notice. The TSSA has stated that their members will continue to take sustained action until London Underground is willing to negotiate in good faith.
In response, a TfL spokesperson has expressed disappointment in the strike action and urged the TSSA to work with them to find a resolution. They have also clarified that there are no planned job losses as part of the proposed changes, which aim to improve customer service at stations.
The TSSA has stated that they will not accept any threats to their members’ roles, locations, or terms and conditions. They have called on London Underground to negotiate with them in good faith.
