TRAIN passengers face major disruption as Aslef launches rolling strikes today, alongside a six-day overtime ban running until Saturday.
The three one-day strikes across different operators, which will run until Thursday, are linked to the union’s bitter pay dispute which has seen some drivers not receive a pay rise in five years.
Aslef has accused the government of giving up on resolving the issue as no talks have been held between the union and train operators for more than a year – and for longer involving ministers.
Union general secretary Mick Whelan stressed it has been a year since they rejected the “risible” pay offer made to them after drivers’ pay deals with the companies ran out in 2019.
“Train drivers at these train operating companies have not had an increase in salary for five years. That is completely wrong,” he added.
“The employers – and the government – think we are going to give up and run away. They’re wrong.”
The Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators, wrote to Aslef last week suggesting informal talks which could result in more formal negotiations.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Instead of causing passengers disruption, they should put this offer to their members and work with industry to end this dispute.”
Separately, engineers on the Croydon Tramlink will strike from 8pm on Sunday to 6am on Thursday over being paid up to £10,000 a year less than similarly qualified workers on London Underground.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It is outrageous that Transport for London somehow thinks it is acceptable to be systemically underpaying highly skilled workers who are essential to keep the tram system functioning.”
