A new wave of train strikes has disrupted services and will affect hundreds of thousands of spectators travelling to events on Saturday such as the FA Cup final and the Epsom Derby. Mick Whelan, general secretary of train drivers’ union Aslef, told the PA news agency “there are no negotiations” in the bitter dispute over pay and conditions.
The Department for Transport (DfT) insisted it has “facilitated a fair and reasonable pay offer” from train operators to drivers. Aslef members at 13 train companies walked out on Wednesday, meaning several operators such as Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Northern and Thameslink are running no trains.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) has called a strike for Friday, while Aslef members will walk out again on Saturday, causing major disruption to football fans travelling to London for the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium. Hundreds of coaches are being laid on for supporters as no trains will run between Manchester and the capital on the day of the match.
