Rail Passengers Warned Of Six Days Of Disruption As Train Drivers Refuse To Work Overtime

Disruption to rail journeys are expected across the country this week as train drivers refuse to work overtime for six days.

ASLEF announced last month that its members would withdraw non-contractual overtime, known as rest-day working, with 16 of the country's 35 rail operators from Monday 3 July to Saturday 8 July.

Train companies 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 main line; SWR depot drivers; TransPennine Express; and West Midlands Trains.

The action may impact visitors to the first week of the Wimbledon tennis tournament.

It is understood that there have been no negotiations between the union and the rail operators since the action was announced on 19 June.

Mick Whelan, ASLEF's general secretary, said at the time:

"Once again, we find ourselves with no alternative but to take this action.

"We have continually come to the negotiating table in good faith, seeking to resolve this dispute.

"Sadly, it is clear from the actions of both the train operating companies and the government that they do not want an end to the dispute.

"Their goals appear to be to continue industrial strife and to do down our industry.

"We don't want to inconvenience the public.

"We just want to see our members paid fairly during a cost-of-living crisis when inflation is running at above 10%, and to not see our terms and conditions taken away.

"It's time for the Government and the companies to think again and look for a resolution."

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."

Strike dates

The RMT union has scheduled further strikes for the following dates:

Thursday 20 July

Saturday 22 July

Saturday 29 July

Aslef members at 16 rail operators will refuse to work overtime - an action short of a strike - on the following days:

Monday 3 July

Tuesday 4 July

Wednesday 5 July

Thursday 6 July

Friday 7 July

Saturday 8 July

Southeastern 

The company has said if RMT's strike action goes ahead, then "it is likely that we will only be able to run a limited service on these dates [20, 22 and 29 July]".

With regards to the earlier Aslef overtime ban, Southeastern said it was "working to understand if this will affect our services".

The company said it will update its website accordingly with more information in due course.

GTR

GTR, also known as Govia Thameslink Railway, is the UK's biggest railway franchise and operates Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express.

Between 3 July and 8 July, there will be an amended timetable, with fewer services running.

The companies said: "Services will be busier than usual. It's likely you will need to queue and you may not be able to board your chosen service. You should allow extra time for your journey."

Gatwick Express services will not run. Gatwick Airport will still be served by Southern and Thameslink.

You can find the latest advice here.

(c) Sky News 2023: Rail passengers warned of six days of disruption as train drivers refuse to work overtime