Train drivers vote to continue striking for next six months in blow to commuters

14 June 2023 , 11:22

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The union says most of train drivers have not had a pay increase at all since 2019 and with inflation still well over 10% and the cost of living spiralling (Image: Getty Images)

Train drivers have voted overwhelmingly to continue taking strike action for the next six months in their long-running pay dispute.

Aslef said a re-ballot of its members showed they are "in it for the long haul", with further strike dates expected to be announced soon.

The union represents more than 96% of train drivers so it is very unlikely services will run on the strike dates.

Unions involved in industrial disputes have to hold a fresh ballot every six months to ask their members if they want to continue taking action.

Aslef balloted 12,500 of its members at 15 train operators, with most voting by more than 90% in favour of continuing with strikes and other forms of industrial action.

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Aslef General Secretary Mick Whelan said: 'Train drivers are sick to the back teeth of their employers and the government failing to negotiate in good faith' (PA)

Some of the drivers have now been balloted three times since the dispute started last year.

Aslef has taken 11 days of strike action since last summer. Most recently train drivers at 15 companies staged walkouts on Friday 12 May, Wednesday 31 May, and Saturday 3 June 2023 in a long-running dispute.

The union says most of train drivers have not had a pay increase at all since 2019 and with inflation still well over 10% and the cost of living spiralling.

RMT union is also in an ongoing pay dispute. More than 20,000 of its members staged rail strikes at the start of June.

Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said: "Once again our members have decided that we are in this for the long haul.

"Train drivers are sick to the back teeth of their employers and the government failing to negotiate in good faith, and blaming drivers for their inability to manage services and the rail industry effectively.

"ASLEF members, the key workers who kept our country moving through the pandemic, are simply asking for a fair deal on pay so that they can afford to keep up with their outgoings in this government-made cost of living crisis.

"We have always said we are prepared to come to the table but the government and the train companies need to understand that this dispute won’t be resolved by trying to bully our members into accepting worse terms and conditions."

In April Aslef rejected a "risible" pay offer from train companies with whom they are in dispute.

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