Londoners warned of week of rail disruption as practice drivers refuse to work time beyond regulation
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ondoners are being warned to anticipate disruption to rail companies this week as practice drivers refuse to work time beyond regulation for six days.
Aslef introduced final month that its members will withdraw non-contractual time beyond regulation, often called rest-day working, with 16 of the nation’s 35 rail operators from Monday to Saturday July 8.
The motion may affect guests to the primary week of the Wimbledon tennis event.
Popular commuter companies corresponding to Southern, Southeastern, Thameslink and South Western Railway will probably be affected.
Some practice working corporations have warned of not having the ability to run a full service on these dates, whereas others have mentioned they could expertise short-notice cancellations.
Train corporations affected are: Avanti West Coast; Chiltern Railways; Cross Country; East Midlands Railway; Greater Anglia; GWR; GTR Great Northern Thameslink; Island Line; LNER; Northern Trains; Southeastern; Southern/Gatwick Express; South Western Railway essential line; SWR depot drivers; TransPennine Express; and West Midlands Trains.
It is known that there have been no negotiations between the union and the rail operators for the reason that motion was introduced on June 19.
Mick Whelan, Aslef’s normal secretary, mentioned on the time: “Once once more, we discover ourselves with no different however to take this motion.
“We have frequently come to the negotiating desk in good religion, in search of to resolve this dispute.
“Sadly, it’s clear from the actions of each the practice working corporations and the Government that they don’t need an finish to the dispute.
“Their objectives look like to proceed industrial strife and to do down our trade.
“We don’t need to inconvenience the general public.
“We simply need to see our members paid pretty throughout a cost-of-living disaster when inflation is working at above 10%, and to not see our phrases and situations taken away.
“It’s time for the Government and the businesses to assume once more and search for a decision.”
A spokesman for the Rail Delivery Group responded: “Aslef’s leadership continues to disrupt customers’ travel plans.
“They rejected a fair and affordable offer without putting it to their members which would take average driver base salaries for a basic salary for a four-day week without overtime from £60,000 to nearly £65,000 by the end of 2023 pay awards.
“Train companies will work hard to minimise the impact of the overtime ban but the impact of Aslef’s action will vary across the 16 train operators and customers are advised to check their travel plans before setting off.
“We ask Aslef to recognise the very real financial challenge the industry is facing and work with us to deliver a better railway with a strong long-term future.”