One of the UK’s biggest rail unions will be taking strike action between today until February in a move which will impact train operators across the country.
The ASLEF Union – Britain’s trade union for train drivers – announced a fortnight ago that it will be imposing a series of strikes from today until 6 February in relation to an ongoing pay dispute.
Action short of a strike, beginning today, will see ASLEF members refuse to work any non-contractual overtime – which may cause significant disruption on lines across the country.
Full strike action will also take place from tomorrow, with this affecting various train operators on different days during the next fortnight.
Commuters in Manchester will be most severely hit on Wednesday 31 January, when operators TransPennine Trains and Northern Trains shall not have services running.
Avanti West Coast will be in the same position on Saturday 3 February, which means journeys from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston will not be available on this day.
This will impact Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Oxford Road, Manchester Victoria and Deansgate stations, as well as nearby Salford Central.
ASLEF’s general secretary Mick Whelan said: “We have given the government every opportunity to come to the table but it has now been a year since we had any contact from the Department for Transport.
“It’s clear they do not want to resolve this dispute.
“There’s no excuse.
“The government and train operating companies must come to the table with a realistic offer so we can end this dispute and work together to ensure the future of our railways.”
There have been 14 one-day strikes enforced so far during this 18-month long dispute, according to ASLEF.
A similar series of walkouts occurred during last year’s busy Christmas period, between 2 and 9 December.
National Rail recommends travellers should check timetables before they travel during this period, with schedule uncertainty expected.
Those seeking assistance are advised to look on https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
Featured image credit: Oliver Jervis
