All unions hit the end of the summer holidays on Friday with new misery strikes on the railway network.
A 24-hour strike today by members of train drivers’ union Aslef has seriously affected timetables, with trains starting later and arriving earlier than usual, with some areas having no service all day .
Thirteen operators were affected by the walkout by members of the Aslef union. Due to the walkout, operators including Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern and East Midlands Railway services said there would be no service.
Speaking at a picket in Euston, north London, Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said: “The feedback we are getting – and we speak to drivers every day – is that they’re in it for the long haul.
Train strike | September 1, 2023
“We must not forget that some of our members, at the end of this year, will have gone five years without a salary increase, so there is no sign of weakening or lack of determination, and our members in many cases I want to go harder and faster.”
Robert Nisbet, spokesman for the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents train operators, said Aslef must show “movement” on changes to working practices.
Asked why no talks have taken place between the RDG and Aslef since April, Mr Nisbet told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Because they will not accept this fundamental principle.”
He added: “We are looking for progress on this. »
Earlier, Mr Nisbet said: “The main problem at the moment with Aslef is that they will not accept a link to a change in the way the industry works.
“We have to face the fact that the sector has changed significantly since Covid, as commuters are not returning in as many numbers as they thought.
“There is a 30 percent drop in income, so we are asking the unions to be realistic, to look at the situation as it is now.”
Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan on a picket line at Euston station in London
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The two unions accuse the government for blocking any chance of an agreement by refusing to allow train operators to present an offer that they could recommend to their members.
A Department of Transportation The spokesperson said: “After taxpayers have supported rail workers throughout the pandemic, it is frustrating to see Aslef and RMT coordinating their strikes in a bid to cause as much disruption as possible over the final weekend summer vacation.
“There remain fair and reasonable offers on the table for both unions, one which would take the average train driver’s salary to £65,000 and one which RMT members working for Rail network accepted months ago.
“Continued industrial action is disappointing and delays reforms that would ultimately benefit passengers, rail workers and taxpayers. »
South Western Railway On Friday it advised passengers to only travel if “absolutely necessary”, warning that most of its network would be closed.
Service will be “extremely limited” on a small number of lines, with trains only running between 7am and 7pm.
The same notice was given on Saturday due to the RMT strike and Aslef’s extension ban.
Wimbledon Conservative MP Stephen Hammond criticized the walkouts, saying: “Once again the people affected are my constituents whose lives are being disrupted. I urge the unions to resolve the conflict.
A demonstration took place opposite Downing Street Thursday night.
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