Train drivers are set for another round of strikes this month, with both Aslef and RMT halting services up and down the country.
Rail drivers who are members of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (Aslef) union will walk out at 16 different train companies, with some lines unable to offer any service at all.
The strikes will take place on Friday 12 May, Wednesday 31 May and Saturday 3 June – the last strike date falling on the same day as the FA Cup final.
“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,” said Aslef in response to negotiations with the government breaking down.
The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) will also be striking on Saturday 13 May – the same day as the Eurovision song contest which is being held in Liverpool.
This is expected to affect 14 rail operators.
“We are striking so that the employers and government can see the huge anger amongst rail workers is very real and they need to recognise that fact, face reality and make improved proposals,” said Mick Lynch, general secretary of RMT.
Passengers have been told the strikes will “likely result in little or no service across large areas of the network” and should therefore check services ahead of travelling.
The 16 train operating companies affected by the strikes include:
- Avanti West Coast
- c2c (Saturday 13 May)
- Chiltern Railways
- CrossCountry
- East Midlands Railway
- Great Western Railway
- Greater Anglia
- GTR Great Northern Thameslink
- Heathrow Express
- London North Eastern Railway
- London Northwestern Railway
- Northern Trains
- Southeastern
- Southern/Gatwick Express
- South Western Railway depot drivers
- SWR Island Line
- Thameslink
- TransPennine Express
- West Midlands Trains