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Train Drivers To Start Overtime Ban Before New Strikes

By Nithya Bose in Business News, posted April 3, 2024

Aslef train drivers will impose an overtime ban on Thursday, April 4, setting the stage for upcoming strikes that will disrupt travel.

This action is part of a prolonged 20-month conflict over employment conditions, with no apparent progress and no negotiations.

Travellers are advised to expect disruptions, especially on strike days, with some regions would see complete service halts.

The overtime ban, affects the latter part of this week and another 48 hours starting next Monday.

It is likely to result in widespread delays and cancellations.

The strike schedule includes a wide range of operators, with Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, and several others facing walkouts this Friday.

This is followed by additional companies like Chiltern Railways and Great Western Railway on Saturday.

Another Monday strike will affect even more operators, including c2c and Gatwick Express, drastically limiting service across various networks.

Train companies have warned strike days may see little to no service in many areas.

Disruptions are expected to spill over into subsequent days.

“Drivers wouldn’t vote for industrial action, again and again and again, if they thought that was a good offer"

Passengers have been warned to prepare for significant inconvenience and are encouraged to check their travel plans in advance.

Despite the introduction of legislation aimed at maintaining a minimum service level during strikes, none of the involved operators have agreed to use this measure.

Aslef's General Secretary Mick Whelan said: “Our members voted overwhelmingly – yet again – for strike action.

"Those votes show a clear rejection by train drivers of the ridiculous offer put to us in April last year by the Rail Delivery Group which knew that offer would be rejected because a land grab for all the terms and conditions we have negotiated over the years would never be accepted by our members.

“Since then train drivers have voted, time and again, to take action in pursuit of a pay rise.

“That’s why Mark Harper, the Transport Secretary, is being disingenuous when he says that offer should have been put to members.

“Drivers wouldn’t vote for industrial action, again and again and again, if they thought that was a good offer.

“That offer was dead in the water in April last year – and Mr Harper knows that.”

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A spokesperson for the RDG said: “We are sorry that this round of strikes called by the Aslef leadership risk disrupting journeys.

“While we are doing all we can to keep trains running and we will work with our industry partners to keep as many trains running as possible, unfortunately there will be reduced services between Thursday April 4 to Tuesday April 9.

“Our advice is to check before you travel and follow the latest travel information.

Throughout the 20-month dispute, Aslef has organised 14 one-day strikes.

Aslef members on the London Underground will strike on separate dates due to a another dispute.

This will further impact London's transport network.

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