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New public mood backs train drivers striking this weekend, says Aslef leader Mick Whelan
Mick Whelan (centre in suit), General Secretary, ASLEF, joins the picket line outside Paddington train station in London as members of the drivers union Aslef at seven train operators walk out for 24 hours over pay
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TRAIN drivers striking at nine operating companies today can be assured of widespread public support, their union leader Mick Whelan told the Morning Star.
Members of drivers’ union Aslef will walk out for 24 hours in a pay dispute at Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Greater Anglia, Great Western Railway, Hull Trains, LNER, Southeastern, West Midlands Trains and London Overground.
Mr Whelan said that train companies claim to be barred from awarding a pay rise in line with inflation by “dodgy deals” imposed by the government when their franchises were turned into management contracts, but government says the dispute is nothing to do with it and must be dealt with by the companies.
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