London train strikes July 2023: Aslef anounces ANOTHER six days of industrial action

A further six days of industrial action has been announced by the train drivers’ union in an ongoing dispute over pay.

Aslef members will at 16 companies will refuse to work overtime from July 17-22 July in the union’s ongoing national dispute over pay.

The announcement comes during a separate overtime ban this week, running until Saturday (July 8).

The new action will overlap with strikes by RMT members, who are due to walk out on July 20, 22 and 29.

Aslef says the withdrawal of “non-contractual overtime” will be in place from 12.01am on Monday July 17 until 11.59pm on Saturday July 22 at Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia, Great Western Railway, GTR Great Northern - Thameslink, Island Line, London North East Railway, Northern, Southeastern, Southern and Gatwick Express, South Western Railway, Transpennine Express and West Midlands Trains.

Aslef’s Mick Whelan

General secretary Mick Whelan said: “Train drivers don’t want to be inconveniencing the public. We want to resolve this dispute. We have given the government and rail operators plenty of opportunities to come to the table but it remains clear that they do not want a resolution.

“Our members - the drivers who keep the railway running day in, day out - will not accept the government’s attempts to force our industry into decline. Rail travel is a vital part of the fight against climate change. Rail connectivity is essential to the country’s economy.

“It’s time for a fair deal and a resolution so we can grow our railway and improve it for the future.”

Department for Transport

A Department for Transport spokesperson said this week: “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 this week: “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.”