Train drivers in the UK are planning a national strike on wages this month, which is the first industrial action coordinated by them in 27 years, while other railway workers have also announced two more days off in August.
The machinists’ union Aslef said the one-day strike on July 30 was the result of the fact that the railway companies did not make a wage offer in line with the rising cost of living.
The action will be the first that drivers have taken collectively since 1995 and will be the last disruption to the rail network. A strike last month by RMT union workers focused on the staff of Network Rail, the UK’s railway infrastructure provider, and more than a dozen train operators.
It stopped the network and industry executives fear an exit from drivers could be more detrimental to affected lines, as there are very few safety options to replace striking drivers, apart from a relatively small group of managers who are also trained. drivers.
Along with an exit on July 27, which the RMT announced on Wednesday after rejecting a “very” pay offer and promising to continue to strike “for as long as necessary,” Aslef’s action will coincide with the start of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham on July 28, threatening to hit attendance.
Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, said Aslef was “cynically orchestrating” strike dates to coincide with the games, with union leaders “determined to cause as much misery as possible”. He added that train drivers on average earn just under £ 60,000 a year, more than double the national average.
The RMT announced on Thursday evening two more days of strike by its members for next month, August 18 and 20, at 14 train operating companies.
Aslef members from eight companies – Arriva Rail London, Chiltern Railways, Greater Anglia, Great Western, Hull Trains, LNER, Southeastern and West Midlands Trains – will take part in the outing.
Drivers of individual train operators have gone on strike recently, but Aslef’s is a coordinated move that could cause disruptions across the country.
“We don’t want to disturb passengers, especially because our friends and families use public transportation,” Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said. “We believe in building confidence in the railways in Britain, and we don’t want to lose money by going on strike.
Recommended
“But we have been forced into this position by train companies, driven by the Tory government. The drivers of the companies where we are on strike have suffered a pay cut in real terms over the last three years, “he added.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said after announcing his union’s two new strike dates that the railway industry and the government should understand that the dispute over wages, job security and working conditions does not they would simply fade away. “Now that Grant Shapps has given up his desperate hopes for the job of prime minister, he can get back to his day job and help fix that mess,” he said.
Other unions are also consulting on new exits. TSSA, which largely represents managers and supervisors, has voted 10 train operators and Network Rail. He is expected to announce the strike dates in a few days.
FT Survey: How do you bring inflation higher?
We’re exploring the impact of rising living costs on people around the world and we want to hear from readers about what you’re doing to combat costs. Tell us about it in a short survey.