Train drivers affiliated with the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (Aslef) union in the UK are set to engage in industrial action from January 30 to February 5, marking the continuation of their pay-related dispute.
The Rail Delivery Group, comprising Network Rail and various train operating companies (TOCs), claims that a previous offer had been made to the train drivers, aiming to raise their base salaries to nearly £65,000. However, Aslef argues that its members have not received any pay increase for over five years, especially during periods of high inflation, leading to the upcoming strikes.
The strike period is scheduled to run from midnight on January 29 to 23:59 on February 6. Notably, this action will not be continuous but carried out on specific dates.
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Reasons for Strikes
Aslef highlights the lack of a “single penny increase” in its members’ pay over the past five years. The union points out that train drivers refrained from seeking a pay raise even during the COVID-19 pandemic when they worked as essential key workers. The dispute traces back to the first industrial action initiated by Aslef in July 2022.
Union’s Perspective
Mick Whelan, Aslef’s general secretary, expresses frustration with the government’s approach, stating that despite giving them ample opportunities to negotiate, there has been no contact from the Department for Transport in a year. Whelan emphasizes that train drivers worked through the pandemic, risking their lives, without requesting a pay increase. He calls for a realistic offer from the government and TOC to end the dispute and ensure the future stability of the railways.
Affected Companies and Dates
The strikes are planned on specific dates affecting different train operating companies:
Tuesday, January 30: South-eastern, GTR Southern/Gatwick Express, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, SWR Island Line, and South Western Railway.
Wednesday, January 31: Northern Trains and Transpennine Trains.
Friday, February 2: Greater Anglia, C2C, and LNER.
Saturday, February 3: West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, and East Midlands Railway.
Monday, February 5: Great Western, CrossCountry, and Chiltern.
Government Response
As a response to potential disruptions caused by strikes, the UK Government introduced the Minimum Service Levels Legislation. Aslef criticizes this legislation as an “old trick of changing the rules when they can’t win.” The legislation allows for 40% of operations to run as “normal” during strikes to mitigate disruption.
Rail Delivery Group’s Statement
A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group acknowledges the challenges posed by strikes, emphasizing the financial strain on the railway system and the ongoing taxpayer contribution to keep services running post-COVID. The spokesperson calls for cooperation between Aslef leadership and TOCs to find a resolution that not only rewards the train drivers but also implements changes to enhance service reliability.
The ongoing pay dispute between Aslef union members and the UK government, along with various TOCs, has led to planned strikes in late January and early February. The situation highlights the complex negotiations surrounding fair compensation for essential workers and the potential impact on railway services.