HUNDREDS are expected to rally today at a mass-picket for a train driver “sacked without reason,” after no less than 30 trade union general secretaries wrote to Hull Trains backing his union Aslef’s seven-month fight for justice.

The leaders of Unite, the National Education Union and Public and Commercial Services unions were among those warning the company of “escalating levels of action and wider campaigning from our whole movement” if the unnamed driver is not reinstated.

Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan told the Morning Star that a “barefaced liar” was behind media reports that the driver fell asleep at the wheel after confirmation he had “driven perfectly and correctly throughout his journeys.”

His sacking in November, after he raised a safety concern in an internal meeting over fatigue, has seen 73 days of walkouts by the union since February, which recently renewed its mandate for action into 2026.

The unnamed driver has a spotless record of 20 years and has become a cause celebre in the industry and trade union movement due to the circumstances of his dismissal, Mr Whelan said.

“If they succeed, it means anybody can be got rid of for raising safety concerns — it will make the railways less safe,” he warned.

“That insider is a liar, a barefaced liar. Black [monitoring] boxes on his train during the three days in question found that he drove perfectly — there is no evidence that he was asleep at the wheel.

“That didn’t stop the company from sacking him — without reason, justification or cause. 

“It is a witch hunt which has serious ramifications for every driver and the whole UK rail industry. 

“If drivers cannot bring safety concerns to the attention of the company for fear of being punished, then the entire safety culture on which our industry depends will have been undermined.”

The driver gets quite emotional about union solidarity, he said, adding: “He could have taken the easy way out — a payout from the company, particularly when they dug their heels in.

“He’s amazed by the amount of support that he’s had, but it’s the sort he would have given to anyone else.”

In their letter to Hull Trains, union leaders hit out at the “victimisation of a trade union member who raised health and safety concerns with you.

“After 73 days of action, which have seen growing support for the unfairly victimised trade union member, we are urging you to reinstate the member affected and to end this dispute now.

“Trade union activity, including raising vital health and safety concerns, is fundamental to the role of effective trade unions in the workplace.

“The actions of Hull Trains management could damage safety culture across the rail industry.

“We will continue to use the full power and weight of our movement to make sure Hull Trains is held to account for these actions.

“We urge you to reinstate the colleague affected and ensure an end to escalating levels of action and wider campaigning from our whole movement.”

Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright said: “Over the last few months, we have dedicated a lot of time to supporting workers across our country. 

“Both in Sheffield and Birmingham we have supported workers in their struggles against private companies and local councils, including central government. We want to make it really clear. 

“The FBU will stand by all workers in struggle — that solidarity is fundamental to what makes our unions powerful.”

Bakers, Food and Allied Workers’ union general secretary Sarah Woolley, set to speak at the rally at Hull Paragon station, said: “We are proud to be supporting our brothers and sisters in Aslef. Health and safety is vital — not just in rail but across our economy. 

“Trade unions make safer workplaces; trade unions improve the lives of workers. We can defend and grow our movement through united solidarity actions like the letter and rally.”

A spokesperson for Hull Trains said: “Hull Trains follows highly regulated industry standard agreements and procedures for safety which is always our main priority.

“We have made a number of proposals for a resolution of this matter with Aslef. We remain committed to open dialogue to resolve this situation and help offer our customers greater confidence.”