Prepare drivers strike on FA Cup ultimate and Epsom Derby days

Jun 03, 2023 at 5:05 AM

Rail companies will likely be crippled once more immediately due to one other strike, inflicting contemporary journey distress for passengers.

The walkout by members of the practice drivers’ union Aslef coincides with the FA Cup ultimate between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley and the Epsom Derby — in addition to different sporting and music occasions.

Football followers have been suggested to not journey by practice to Wembley, leaving 1000’s having to drive to London as a substitute. The strike follows a walkout by practice drivers on Wednesday and by members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union on Friday in long-running disputes over pay, jobs and circumstances.

Aslef basic secretary Mick Whelan informed the PA news company there was “no waning in enthusiasm” from practice drivers to proceed taking industrial motion. “We are determined to get a resolution and remain in this for the long haul,” he said.

“It is time for the Government to step back from interference which is preventing a deal – drivers, in line with other workers, deserve a pay rise after four years without one and inflation running, over the last 12 months, north of 10 per cent.”

The Rail Delivery Group mentioned round 40 per cent of trains would run immediately however there could be broad regional variations with some areas having no companies in any respect. Mr Whelan mentioned the “dead hand” of the Government was stopping a deal to finish the dispute.

He described a proposal of a 4 per cent pay rise for final yr and one other 4 per cent for this yr as “dismal”, including that there had been no contact between the union and employers or the Government for weeks.

Picket traces will likely be mounted outdoors railway stations throughout the nation immediately, with drivers at 15 firms in England happening strike.

The RDG mentioned the strikes have been inflicting “disappointment and frustration” for 1000’s of individuals.

“It will inconvenience families who have been looking forward and have planned their half-term holidays. It will also further burden our people who have already lost thousands of pounds at a time of financial strain.”

RMT basic secretary Mick Lynch accused the Government of “deliberately squandering” billions of kilos on a “futile war” towards the rail unions.

A Department for Transport spokesperson mentioned: “These strikes have been coordinated by union leaders to disrupt passengers in a week which will see major events such as the first-ever all-Manchester FA Cup final, the Epsom Derby and a number of concerts and festivals across the UK.

“Not content with impacting the hundreds of thousands of people who have looked forward to these events all year round, unions are also targeting their own members’ pockets by forcing them to miss out on pay every time they strike.

“The Government has facilitated a fair and reasonable pay offer, now union leaders must do the right thing and put this to their members.”