Train strikes 2022: Croydon TfL tram drivers start second walk out in July over pay

Tram drivers in south London have started a second 48-hour strike today in a dispute over pay - in the latest in a series of walk outs hitting London commuters.

Members of the Aslef union on Croydon Tramlink will strike today (Wednesday July 13) and Thursday July 14 following similar action last month.

A total of 99.2% of Aslef members voted for strike action after rejecting First Group’s offer of a 3% pay increase.

The union said it wants to see a pay rise in line with the current rate of inflation running at over 11%.

A limited number of trams are running on sections of the route, while there is no service on other parts.

Transport for London (TfL) has said that during both strike days:

• There will be a limited service between East Croydon and Wimbledon, with no trams after 9pm.
• Only the first two services of the day will run between New Addington and East Croydon, with no trams running between the two stops for the remainder of the day.
• No services will run between East Croydon and Beckenham Junction, and between East Croydon and Elmers End.

What are my alternative routes?

Those wishing to travel today and tomorrow have been told to allow more time for their journeys.

TfL has also advised customers to use alternative routes and to walk and cycle where possible.

A number of alternative routes by bus are available across Croydon, including:

• Croydon to Elmers End - bus route 54
• Croydon to Beckenham Junction - bus route 367
• Croydon to New Addington - bus route 64
• Croydon to Therapia Lane - bus route 455

Finn Brennan, Aslef’s full-time organiser on Croydon Tramlink and London Underground, said workers are facing a real terms wage cut.

“Our members do a difficult and demanding job, working round-the-clock shifts over 364 days of the year. They deserve a fair pay settlement.”

Trish Ashton, Transport for London’s director of rail and sponsored services, said: “It is disappointing this industrial action is going ahead.

“We urge Tram Operations Ltd and Aslef to urgently find a solution to avoid disruption to customers.

“All customers travelling on Wednesday and Thursday are advised to check before they make their journeys.”