A union leader has accused Grant Shapps of lying as the clash between rail workers and the Govermnet continues.
Millions across the country will experience travel disruption on Saturday as train drivers stage a 24-hour walkout with Mr Shapps accusing unions of “taking the taxpayer for a ride”.
Following Mr Shapps’ attack, Aslef union chief, Mick Whelan told Times Radio: “I say Mr Shapps is lying, quite simply, quite clearly. We’re not dragging our feet in negotiations, we negotiate with 14 private companies, we do not work for the government or the DfT.”
The Aslef union, which represents trains drivers across seven operators, is staging a walk out over pay demands, which will affect the London Overground, LNER trains, Southeastern, Great Western, Greater Anglia, Hull Trains and all Heathrow Express trains.
Passengers have also been warned that Southern and Thameslink services will experience increased use and could be disrupted. Passengers hoping to travel to the southwest, southeast and Midlands from London, have all been advised to expect some travel disruption.
Millions are expected to travel for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the opening day of the English Football League and the Euro 2022 women’s final at Wembley Stadium tomorrow.