LNER drivers are set to take 22 days of strike action this autumn as their trade union says industrial relations with the government have broken down.
Hundreds of Aslef (Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen) members will walk out every Saturday and Sunday between August 31 and November 10.
The dispute is separate from the ongoing row over pay, which may be resolved by a new government offer this week – instead, the union said management was "bullying" union staff and breaking previous agreements.
LNER operates services from Edinburgh and other parts of the central belt to London along the East Coast Main Line.
The previous operator, Virgin Trains, was brought into state ownership in 2018 and reconstituted as LNER.
Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said: “The continued failure of the company to resolve long-standing industrial relations issues has forced us into this position.
“We would much rather not be here but the company has brutally, and repeatedly, broken diagramming and roster agreements, failed to adhere to the agreed bargaining machinery, and totally acted in bad faith.
“When we make an agreement, we stick to it. This company doesn’t and we are not prepared to put up with their boorish behaviour and bullying tactics.”
Aslef drivers are set to vote this week on a deal that would bring a 26 month pay dispute to an end.
However, drivers accepting this deal would not end the strikes planned for the autumn.
An LNER spokesperson said: “Our priority focus will be on minimising disruption to customers during the forthcoming Aslef strikes, which sadly will continue to cause disruption and delays.
“We are surprised and disappointed to hear this news following recent constructive conversations.
“We will continue to work with Aslef to find a way to end this long running dispute which only damages the rail industry.”
Shadow home secretary James Cleverly said the "Labour government has been played by its union paymasters" after the strikes were announced.
Continuing, he said: "This latest wave of strikes will be devastating for families who rely on train travel to see their loved ones.
