T
rain drivers at 16 rail operators will refuse to work time beyond regulation for six days subsequent month within the lengthy operating dispute over pay.
Aslef stated its members will withdraw non-contractual time beyond regulation – often called relaxation day working – from Monday July 3 to Saturday July 8.
The motion coincides with the primary week of the Wimbledon tennis event.
Train corporations affected are: Avanti West Coast; Chiltern Railways; Cross Country; East Midlands Railway; Greater Anglia; GWR; GTR Great Northern Thameslink; Island Line; LNER; Northern Trains; Southeastern; Southern/Gatwick Express; South Western Railway major line; SWR depot drivers; TransPennine Express; and West Midlands Trains.
This motion, wanting a strike, follows one other spherical of overwhelming votes in favour of constant to take industrial motion, which Aslef introduced final week.
Mick Whelan , Aslef’s common secretary, stated: “Once again, we find ourselves with no alternative but to take this action.
We don’t want to inconvenience the public. We just want to see our members paid fairly
“We have continually come to the negotiating table in good faith, seeking to resolve this dispute.
“Sadly, it is clear from the actions of both the train operating companies and the government that they do not want an end to the dispute. Their goals appear to be to continue industrial strife and to do down our industry.
“We don’t want to inconvenience the public. We just want to see our members paid fairly during a cost of living crisis when inflation is running at above 10%, and to not see our terms and conditions taken away.
“It’s time for the government and the companies to think again and look for a resolution.”
A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group stated: “Aslef’s leadership continues to disrupt customers’ travel plans. They rejected a fair and affordable offer without putting it to their members which would take average driver base salaries for a basic salary for a four-day week without overtime from £60,000 to nearly £65,000 by the end of 2023 pay awards.
“Train companies will work hard to minimise the impact of the overtime ban but the impact of Aslef’s action will vary across the 16 train operators and customers are advised to check their travel plans before setting off.
“We ask Aslef to recognise the very real financial challenge the industry is facing and work with us to deliver a better railway with a strong long-term future.”
