UK
Disruption expected as train drivers refuse to work overtime
By PA News Agency
Disruption to rail journeys are expected in many parts of the country this week as train drivers refuse to work overtime for six days.
Aslef announced last month that its members will withdraw non-contractual overtime, known as rest-day working, with 16 of the country’s 35 rail operators from Monday July 3 to Saturday July 8.
The action could impact visitors to the first week of the Wimbledon tennis tournament.
Train companies affected are: Avanti West Coast; Chiltern Railways; Cross Country; East Midlands Railway; Greater Anglia; GWR; GTR Great Northern Thameslink; Island Line; LNER; Northern Trains; Southeastern; Southern/Gatwick Express; South Western Railway main line; SWR depot drivers; TransPennine Express; and West Midlands Trains.
It is understood that there have been no negotiations between the union and the rail operators since the action was announced on June 19
By PA News Agency
Disruption to rail journeys are expected in many parts of the country this week as train drivers refuse to work overtime for six days.
Aslef announced last month that its members will withdraw non-contractual overtime, known as rest-day working, with 16 of the country’s 35 rail operators from Monday July 3 to Saturday July 8.
The action could impact visitors to the first week of the Wimbledon tennis tournament.
Train companies affected are: Avanti West Coast; Chiltern Railways; Cross Country; East Midlands Railway; Greater Anglia; GWR; GTR Great Northern Thameslink; Island Line; LNER; Northern Trains; Southeastern; Southern/Gatwick Express; South Western Railway main line; SWR depot drivers; TransPennine Express; and West Midlands Trains.
It is understood that there have been no negotiations between the union and the rail operators since the action was announced on June 19
.
Members of the drivers’ union Aslef on the picket line at New Street station in Birmingham (Jacob King/PA)
Mick Whelan, Aslef’s general secretary, said at the time: “Once again, we find ourselves with no alternative but to take this action.
“We have continually come to the negotiating table in good faith, seeking to resolve this dispute.
“Sadly, it is clear from the actions of both the train operating companies and the Government that they do not want an end to the dispute.
“Their goals appear to be to continue industrial strife and to do down our industry.
“We don’t want to inconvenience the public.
“We just want to see our members paid fairly during a cost-of-living crisis when inflation is running at above 10%, and to not see our terms and conditions taken away.
“It’s time for the Government and the companies to think again and look for a resolution.”
Mick Whelan, Aslef’s general secretary, said at the time: “Once again, we find ourselves with no alternative but to take this action.
“We have continually come to the negotiating table in good faith, seeking to resolve this dispute.
“Sadly, it is clear from the actions of both the train operating companies and the Government that they do not want an end to the dispute.
“Their goals appear to be to continue industrial strife and to do down our industry.
“We don’t want to inconvenience the public.
“We just want to see our members paid fairly during a cost-of-living crisis when inflation is running at above 10%, and to not see our terms and conditions taken away.
“It’s time for the Government and the companies to think again and look for a resolution.”
People heading to Wimbledon could be affected (Zac Goodwin/PA)
A spokesman for the Rail Delivery Group responded: “Aslef’s leadership continues to disrupt customers’ travel plans.
“They rejected a fair and affordable offer without putting it to their members which would take average driver base salaries for a basic salary for a four-day week without overtime from £60,000 to nearly £65,000 by the end of 2023 pay awards.
“Train companies will work hard to minimise the impact of the overtime ban but the impact of Aslef’s action will vary across the 16 train operators and customers are advised to check their travel plans before setting off.
“We ask Aslef to recognise the very real financial challenge the industry is facing and work with us to deliver a better railway with a strong long-term future.”
A spokesman for the Rail Delivery Group responded: “Aslef’s leadership continues to disrupt customers’ travel plans.
“They rejected a fair and affordable offer without putting it to their members which would take average driver base salaries for a basic salary for a four-day week without overtime from £60,000 to nearly £65,000 by the end of 2023 pay awards.
“Train companies will work hard to minimise the impact of the overtime ban but the impact of Aslef’s action will vary across the 16 train operators and customers are advised to check their travel plans before setting off.
“We ask Aslef to recognise the very real financial challenge the industry is facing and work with us to deliver a better railway with a strong long-term future.”
Rail disruption warning due to six-day train drivers' overtime ban
Last month, Aslef members at 10 operators backed further strike action, meaning it could last for another six months if there's no settlement.
The union has already rejected proposals that would have seen pay rise by 4% two years in a row, bringing drivers' average pay to £65,000.
This would have been contingent on changes to working practices, which the employers and government - who dictate what is under discussion in talks - say are needed to cut costs and modernise how the railway runs.
Aslef argues members should not have to sacrifice working conditions in return for a below inflation wage increase.
Aslef does not have any further strikes planned at present -
But workers such as train guards in the RMT union are expected to walk out on 20, 22 and 29 July in their dispute over pay, jobs and working conditions.
It has now lasted over a year. With no resolution in sight, the train companies are preparing to move ahead with plans to close hundreds of ticket offices.
The Rail Delivery Group said only 12% of tickets were now sold at station kiosks.
Its spokesperson said under proposed changes staff would be moved on to concourses to help and advise more customers. They added that employees and the public would be consulted about any changes.
But RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said earlier this week his union would not "meekly sit by and allow thousands of jobs to be sacrificed or see disabled and vulnerable passengers left unable to use the railways as a result".
The union suggested it could take further industrial action over the issue.
By Katy Austin BBC
Transport correspondent
Rail passengers are being warned of disruption for the next six days, due to an overtime ban by train drivers in the Aslef union.
Fifteen train companies based in England will be hit from Monday until Saturday.
Many will reduce their service levels, and passengers are being advised to check before they travel.
It is the latest move in Aslef's long-running pay dispute.
Strikes by other rail workers in the RMT union are set to take place later this month.
Most train companies rely on drivers working overtime to run their full schedules.
Transport correspondent
Rail passengers are being warned of disruption for the next six days, due to an overtime ban by train drivers in the Aslef union.
Fifteen train companies based in England will be hit from Monday until Saturday.
Many will reduce their service levels, and passengers are being advised to check before they travel.
It is the latest move in Aslef's long-running pay dispute.
Strikes by other rail workers in the RMT union are set to take place later this month.
Most train companies rely on drivers working overtime to run their full schedules.
Among the disruption expected:South Western Railway says it will run a reduced timetable with some first and last trains cancelled. Its services are likely to be busier than usual, and customers heading to the Wimbledon tennis championships are being advised to allow extra time for their journeysNorthern is advising passengers to expect some services to start later and finish earlier than usual, as well as short-notice cancellationsGreat Western Railway expects some short-notice alterations or cancellations, and says its Night Riviera Sleeper service will not run in either direction until SundayChiltern Railways is warning customers only to travel if absolutely essential on Saturday. Its trains will not stop at the station by Wembley Stadium, which is hosting a concert by Blur.
Last month, Aslef members at 10 operators backed further strike action, meaning it could last for another six months if there's no settlement.
The union has already rejected proposals that would have seen pay rise by 4% two years in a row, bringing drivers' average pay to £65,000.
This would have been contingent on changes to working practices, which the employers and government - who dictate what is under discussion in talks - say are needed to cut costs and modernise how the railway runs.
Aslef argues members should not have to sacrifice working conditions in return for a below inflation wage increase.
Aslef does not have any further strikes planned at present -
But workers such as train guards in the RMT union are expected to walk out on 20, 22 and 29 July in their dispute over pay, jobs and working conditions.
It has now lasted over a year. With no resolution in sight, the train companies are preparing to move ahead with plans to close hundreds of ticket offices.
The Rail Delivery Group said only 12% of tickets were now sold at station kiosks.
Its spokesperson said under proposed changes staff would be moved on to concourses to help and advise more customers. They added that employees and the public would be consulted about any changes.
But RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said earlier this week his union would not "meekly sit by and allow thousands of jobs to be sacrificed or see disabled and vulnerable passengers left unable to use the railways as a result".
The union suggested it could take further industrial action over the issue.
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