More rail disruption is coming to the UK as the ASLEF train drivers’ union announced a new August strike date. ASLEF drivers at nine companies are set to walk out alongside members of the RMT, who are already scheduled to strike on two dates in August.
Both ASLEF (Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen) and the RMT (Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers Union) are striking over issues with pay and conditions. Mick Whelan, general secretary of ASLEF, said: “We don’t want to inconvenience passengers – our friends and families use public transport, too – and we don’t want to lose money by going on strike but we’ve been forced into this position by the companies driven by the government.”
He went on to say: “It’s not unreasonable to ask your employer to make sure you’re not worse off for three years in a row. Especially as the train companies are doing very nicely, thank you, out of Britain’s railways – with handsome profits, dividends for shareholders, and big salaries for managers – and train drivers don’t want to work longer for less.”
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A spokesperson for The Rail Delivery Group (formerly the Association of Train Operating Companies) said: “The action announced by the ASLEF leadership shows a cynical approach to talks, a total disregard for passengers and is putting everyone’s summer plans at risk. This action will bring the total number of strike days on the railway to ten, disrupting plans in June, July and August.
“Like any public service we have to change with the times, and it’s only by making necessary reforms that we can give our people a pay rise. Now is not the time for further strikes, so we urge the ASLEF leadership to resume talks to reach a deal that is fair to staff and taxpayers, and which secures a better, safer, and more affordable railway.”
The Labour Party leader, Sir Keir Starmer, sacked the party’s junior shadow transport minister Sam Tarry for making an unauthorised media appearance on a picket line yesterday (28 July). The RMT union is not affiliated with the Labour Party, whereas ASLEF is.
When are the rail strike dates in August?
The RMT already has two strikes planned which will see over 40,000 rail workers take industrial action. The strike dates are:
- Thursday 18 August
- Saturday 20 August
ASLEF will also be taking industrial action on Saturday 13 August.
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