The train drivers' union has confirmed that workers at 12 companies will stage fresh strikes next month, continuing the industrial unrest that has hit several sectors this summer. Members of Aslef will walk out on October 1 and 5, which will impact the travel plans for delegates and visitors to the Conservative party conference in Birmingham.
A strike planned for last week was called off as a mark of respect following the Queen’s death, but the union warned it is in for the “long haul” as the rail disputes remain deadlocked. General secretary Mick Whelan said: “We would much rather not be in this position. We don’t want to go on strike – withdrawing your labour, although a fundamental human right, is always a last resort for this trade union – but the train companies have been determined to force our hand.
“They are telling train drivers to take a real-terms pay cut. With inflation now running at 12.3 per cent – and set, it is said, to go higher – these companies are saying that drivers should be prepared to work just as hard, for just as long, but for considerably less.
