ASLEF, the train drivers’ union, to which 96% of the train
drivers in England, Scotland, and Wales belong, has announced
that members at 16 train companies will refuse to work overtime
from Monday 3 to Saturday 8 July in our ongoing national dispute
over pay.
The withdrawal of non-contractual overtime, or rest day working,
as it is called on the railway industry, will start at 00:01 on
Monday 3 July and end at 23:59 on Saturday 8 July at
these TOCs: 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
main line; SWR depot drivers; TransPennine Express; and West
Midlands Trains.
This action short of a strike follows another round of decisive
ballots of ASLEF members. There was a huge turnout at all the
companies, and an overwhelming mandate for both more strike
action and for action short of a strike in our ongoing national
dispute over pay. Drivers at these companies have had no pay rise
for four years – since 2019 – when inflation has been running at
north of 10%.
Mick Whelan, ASLEF’s general secretary, said: ‘Once again, we
find ourselves with no alternative but to take this action. 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.’
