A TRAIN driver has warned that the Tories’ Minimum Service Levels laws are a huge mistake which will lead to train companies running dangerously busy services.
Aslef member Dawn Stewart, who walked out for the first time last year, said: “Train drivers like me have been taking strike action for a pay rise that reflects the rising cost of living, for better working conditions and for safety on the railways.”
She said the introduction of the legislation, which threatens striking workers with the sack for not returning to work, will make trains even less safe and have a “catastrophic impact” on the workplace by creating animosity between workers forced to cross a picket line and the rest who will lose wages.
Ms Stewart urged comrades to join her at the TUC demonstration in Cheltenham on January 27, which commemorates the 40th anniversary of GCHQ workers being banned from striking.
The Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators, said: “Strikes are particularly difficult to justify at a time when taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54 million a week to keep services running.”
The Department for Transport said: “It’s very disappointing to see Aslef continuing to target those who travel to work, school or important medical appointments by train.”
