Train drivers announce three more days of strikes after ‘risible’ pay offer
Train drivers for London rail companies have announced three more days of strikes after a breakdown in talks over salaries.
ASLEF, the train drivers’ union, has rejected a “risible” pay offer from train companies it is in a dispute with, represented by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG).
The union says its drivers have not had an increase in salary at these companies since 2019.
It has announced further strike days after a year of strike action on Friday May 12, Wednesday May 31, and Saturday June 3, the day of the FA Cup final.
“Our executive committee met this morning and rejected a risible proposal we received from the RDG, a pressure group which represents some of the train companies, and lobbies on their behalf, late on Wednesday afternoon,’ said Mick Whelan, ASLEF’s general secretary.
“The proposal – of just four per cent – was clearly not designed to be accepted as inflation is still running north of 10 per cent and our members at these companies have not had an increase for four years.
“Consequently, we have today announced three more days of strike action at the companies with which we are in dispute, and which are letting down passengers, and taxpayers, so badly.
“We are also withdrawing non-contractual overtime from Monday 15 to Saturday 20 May inclusive, as well as on Saturday 13 May and Thursday 1 June.”
The train operating companies include: GTR Great Northern Thameslink; London North Eastern Railway; Northern Trains; Southeastern; Southern/Gatwick Express and South Western Railway.
A Rail Delivery Group spokesman said: “This is disappointing news for our customers and staff, more strike action is totally unnecessary and will only heap more pressure on an industry already facing an acute financial crisis.
“Senselessly targeting both the final of Eurovision and the FA cup final is disappointing for all those planning to attend.
“After many weeks of negotiations with the ASLEF leadership today, we made a revised and fair offer including a pay rise of 8 per cent over two years.
“It would have introduced overdue, common-sense improvements already in place in parts of the network, which would will see more trains running on time for passengers. Sadly, this has been rejected.”
Pictured top: Southern are one of the train companies that will see drivers on strike (Picture: Govia Thameslink Railway)
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