Train drivers at five rail operators have voted to continue strike action for six more months in an ongoing dispute over pay and conditions.
The decision was announced by the train drivers’ union Aslef, with members at Chiltern Railways, c2c, East Midlands Railway, Northern, and TransPennine Express all backing the continuation of the industrial action.
Persistent Deadlock in Negotiations
The deadlock in the dispute persists, requiring unions to reballot their members every six months to continue with strike action.
This development comes just a week after rail services had returned to normal following a series of strikes and industrial actions that had disrupted train services across Britain.
Criticism of Rail Delivery Group
Mick Whelan, the general secretary of Aslef, criticized the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) for their handling of the dispute, stating that the offer made by the RDG on behalf of the train operating companies had been repeatedly rejected by train drivers.
He emphasized that drivers would not continue to vote for industrial action if they believed the offer was acceptable.
Overwhelming Support for Continued Action
Members at the five affected rail operators voted overwhelmingly to continue striking, with turnout for all the ballots exceeding 70 percent.
Aslef has expressed its willingness to engage in talks to negotiate a revised offer but noted the lack of engagement from government officials and the RDG since the dispute began.
Call for Negotiation
Aslef is calling on the Secretary of State for Transport and the Rail Minister to meet and discuss the dispute.
They emphasize the need for a resolution that addresses the concerns of members, many of whom have not received a pay rise since 2019.
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