Britain is to face three more days of rail strikes as drivers’ union Aslef announced industrial action on 12 May, 31 May and 3 June, cup final day.
Mick Whelan, general secretary, said the decision had been taken after a 'risible' proposal from the industry body, the rail delivery group (RDG).
"The proposal - of just 4% - was clearly not designed to be accepted as inflation is still running north of 10% and our members at these companies have not had an increase for four years."
As well as strikes, Aslef said it would withdraw non-contractual overtime from 15 May to 20 May and between 13 May and 1 June.
Train operators affected include Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway and South Western Railway.
Mark Harper, transport secretary, said the strike announcement was “deeply disappointing”.
"The fair and reasonable offer from the RDG included urgent reform to ensure our railways are financially sustainable for the benefit of passengers, rail workers and the taxpayer as well as delivering a pay rise - for members whose salary already averages £60,000 a year."
The railwaymen’s action comes as the UK is hit with another wave of public sector strikes starting with teachers today and nurses this weekend, though this action will be shorter than planned after the government won a case that the ballot process was partly unlawful.