Train Drivers Set for April Strikes Over Pay Dispute

Train drivers belonging to the Aslef union are gearing up for a series of strikes in April amid an ongoing dispute over pay and conditions. The industrial action, scheduled between 5 and 8 April, will include rolling one-day walkouts and a six-day overtime ban affecting 16 rail companies across the UK.

Mick Whelan, the General Secretary of Aslef, emphasized the need for meaningful talks to negotiate a new pay deal for train drivers who have not seen a salary increase since 2019. This latest round of strikes follows 14 one-day strikes that have taken place over the past 20 months, with little progress made in resolving the conflict.

Aside from the rail strikes, London Underground drivers who are part of Aslef are also poised to strike in April and May. The union’s members will engage in walkouts and refuse to work rest days, as tensions continue to escalate over working conditions and pay.

Companies such as Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, and West Midlands Trains will be among those impacted by the upcoming strikes, as the Rail Delivery Group looks to find common ground with Aslef leadership amidst the ongoing dispute. The Department for Transport has emphasized the need for a resolution, highlighting the financial strain on taxpayers amid the disruptions.

Transport for London (TfL), responsible for the capital’s underground network, has stated its commitment to modernizing processes and ensuring no jobs are lost as part of any changes. However, the persistent disagreements between the union and management continue to fuel the unrest among drivers.