London train strikes July: Aslef members begin six days of action - Which train companies are affected?

Six days of action by train drivers refusing to work overtime at 16 railway companies begins today, as the union’s boss warns of 20 more years of disruption if a pay dispute is not settled.

Aslef union members are taking part in an overtime ban from today until July 8. The union was also meant to hold a full walkout on July 2, but this was suspended.

The 16 train companies being impacted by the action are: 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.

While some of the companies will be operating amended timetables, certain services, such as the Gatwick Express, will not run during the overtime ban.

Aslef

Mick Wheelan, Aslef’s general secretary, told Sky News he has been “ignored” by Transport Secretary Mark Harper and Rail Minister Huw Merriman during the dispute, and that if necessary, the union could continue striking for up to two decades.

"If we’re whistling in the wind for five years, 10 years, 20 years to get somebody to table this, it will be resolved at some point and somebody will talk to us properly at some point,” he said.

Upon announcing the overtime ban, Mr Wheelan had 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 the 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 shut 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.”

Department for Transport

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “The government has played its part to try and end this dispute by facilitating a fair and reasonable pay offer that would see train drivers’ already high salaries increase from an average of £60,000 to £65,000.

“Union leaders have repeatedly denied members a chance to vote on this generous offer that would give them a chance to end these damaging strikes. We once again urge them to do the right thing and put it to their members.”

Rail Delivery Group

A spokesperson for the Rail Delivery Group said: “Aslef’s leadership continues to disrupt customers’ travel plans. They rejected a fair and affordable offer without putting it to their members.

“Train companies will work hard to minimise the impact of the overtime ban, but the impact of Aslef’s action will vary across the 16 train operators so customers are advised to check their travel plans before setting off.

“We ask Aslef to recognise the very real financial challenge the industry is facing and work with us to deliver a better railway with a strong long-term future.”

RMT members are also due to strike later this month, with action planned for July 20, 22 and 29.