London train strikes 2023: ALL Gatwick Express cancelled this week due to industrial action

The Gatwick Express rail service is cancelled all this week due to industrial action by Aslef union members over pay.

Aslef union has a ban on overtime from today until Saturday (July 8), inclusive and Gatwick Express has confirmed services will not run during that time.

Gatwick Airport will be served by an amended Southern Rail and Thameslink service.

In a statement, Gatwick Express wrote: “These services will be busier than usual. It is likely you will need to queue and may not be able to board your chosen service. We advise you to allow extra time to complete your journey. Always check your full journey before travelling at National Rail

In total, 16 train companies are impacted by the overtime ban: 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.

On announcing the overtime ban, Mick Wheelan, 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 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.”

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.”

The Gatwick Express did not run on Sunday (July 2) due to engineering works.

RMT members are due to strike later this month (July 20, 22 and 29) and Gatwick Express said it will update plans nearer the time.