More strikes planned by train drivers will hit South London rail users

Rail passengers who use Southeastern and South Western services face journey headaches as train drivers plan co-ordinated strike action.

Walk-outs are planned for Saturday, October 1 and Wednesday, October 5 in ongoing disputes over pay.

Southeastern services – which operate out of Charing Cross and run services to Woolwich, Bromley, Bexleyheath and Kent – are one of 12 companies affected by the proposed strike action by transport union ASLEF, including London Overground, on both days.

The RMT union plans a 24-hour stoppage on October 1 which will also hit Southeastern, as well as South Western and GTR, which operates the Gatwick Express.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “Transport workers are joining a wave of strike action on October 1, sending a clear message to the Government and employers that working people will not accept continued attacks on pay and working conditions at a time when big business profits are at an all-time high.

”The summer of solidarity we have seen will continue into the autumn and winter if employers and the Government continue to refuse workers reasonable demands.”

Southeastern said: “We are unable to confirm yet what services will be available during this time but during the recent ASLEF strikes we could not run any Southeastern trains.

“We recognise the need to keep our customers informed and we will publish more information as soon as possible.”

Strike action planned for next Monday and Tuesday (September 26-27) has been cancelled.

Southeastern says that if you changed your plans because of the strikes that have now been cancelled on September  15, 17, 26 and 27, you can claim a refund or change the day of your ticket.

Picture: Wikimedia Commons/Matt Buck