Drivers’ union ASLEF has announced a series of strikes between on 2-8 December affecting 16 train operators.
The walkouts are the latest in a long-running dispute over pay and ASLEF says that by spreading disruption over several days, the impact on the railway will be greater.
EMR and LNER drivers will strike on 2 December; Avanti West Coast, Chiltern and Great Northern Thameslink on 3 December; c2c and Greater Anglia on 5 December; Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick express and SWR main line, depot and Island Line drivers on 6 December; CrossCountry and Great Western Railway on 7 December; and Northern and TransPennine Express on 8 December.
ASLEF General Secretary Mick Whelan accused Transport Secretary Mark Harper of going ‘missing in action’ and that no offer has been made since April. The union adds that it has struck pay dealers with 14 train operators in the last year.
In response to the announcement, the Department for Transport said ASLEF should allow its members a vote on the pay deal, which it claims would take average drivers’ pay to £65,000.
