Train drivers are set to go on strike once more, with the Aslef union continuing its long-running dispute over pay and conditions.
The group has demanded a pay rise that is based on the cost of living, having rejected a backdated pay rise of four per cent for 2022.
Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan told the Standard last month: “We are willing to talk to anybody. Nobody seems to want to talk to us.
“If we get to February next year [without a deal], it will be half-a-decade for some of my members without a pay rise.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson has said: "The Government has met the rail unions, listened to them, and facilitated improved offers on pay and reform."
When are the strikes?
The strikes will be held on different dates across December:
- Saturday, December 2 at East Midlands Railway and LNER
- Sunday, December 3, at Avanti West Coast, Chiltern, Great Northern Thameslink, and West Midlands Trains
- Tuesday, December 5, at C2C and Greater Anglia
- Wednesday, December 6 at Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, SWR main line, SWR depot drivers, and Island Line
- Thursday, December 7 at CrossCountry and GWR
- Friday, December 8 at Northern and TPT
Will London’s Tube be affected by strikes?
Last month, Aslef approved a five per cent pay rise and called off the planned strike for its Tube driver members. This means that Underground walkouts will not go ahead.
Will the Elizabeth line and the Overground be affected?
There are no plans for cancellations or disruption to Elizabeth line and Overground services.
What are the alternatives?
Passengers with advance tickets can be refunded without a fee if their train has been cancelled, delayed, or rescheduled – and this also applies to return tickets.
The Delay Repay scheme can be used by season ticket holders to be reimbursed for their missed days.
You may be able to get to your destination via an alternative route or using an alternative method of transport.
Buses will be busier than usual, but there are also bikes for hire.
