The long-running, bitter dispute between the train drivers' union, Aslef, and 14 English rail operators over pay and working conditions has erupted into yet another round of industrial action.
Train drivers want a rise without conditions as well as local negotiations to upgrade working practices, which will means additional costs for the employers. According to Aslef, some drivers haven't had a pay increase in five years.
The general secretary, Mick Whelan, said: "We are going on strike again, not to inconvenience passengers, but to express our disgust at the intransigence of this government and the bad faith shown by the private companies which employ us."
A Rail Delivery Group representative stated: “This wholly unnecessary strike action called by the Aslef leadership will sadly disrupt customers and businesses ahead of the vital festive period."
Which train services are striking on Thursday?
CrossCountry and GWR are the train companies striking today (Thursday, December 7).
Cross Country has warned there is likely to be last-minute changes to services until Saturday, December 9, and they will have a nine-day overtime ban in place.GWR also said there is likely to be “further disruption” until Saturday, December 9, because of “industrial action short of a strike which is likely to cause some short notice alterations and cancellations".
What journeys and areas will be affected?
CrossCountry: No services at all.
GWR: There is a reduced and revised timetable to all services by GWR. Many parts will have no service and any trains that are running will only be operating for a “limited period” during the day between 7am and 7pm. The revised timetable can be seen here.
There will be no Night Riviera Sleeper service.
Can I claim a refund for train strikes?
According to GWR, customers who purchased tickets but do not travel can claim a full refundâ¯or amend their ticket. Those who travel and are delayed may be entitled to Delay Repayâ¯compensation if they are delayed by 15 minutes or more.
Tickets for strike days will be valid for travel on alternative days on GWR services up to Friday, December 8, and can be used the day before or up to and including Tuesday, December 12.
Season-ticket holders can apply for compensation through the Delay Repay scheme.
If you hold a return ticket, you can claim a refund of your unused full fare, even if only one leg of your journey is affected.
For Cross Country refunds, please visit the official site.
If you have a paper ticket, you will need to email Web Support with a photo of your ticket.
You can change your ticket in the My Account section of the site or the CrossCountry app. If you purchased your ticket without being logged into your account or do not hold an account, you can register and add your guest booking to your account by following the 'Login to manage your booking' link, found at the bottom of your confirmation e-mail. Alternatively, you can email web support or call 0371 244 2389.
You may be able to claim compensation if your journey was delayed by 30 minutes or more.
You can find the Delay Repay service here.
The company states that refunds can take up to five working days to process.
