The Aslef union has threatened to intensify strikes on England’s railways in a bid to secure better pay and conditions for staff, as further industrial action was announced for next month.
Drivers from 16 rail operators will strike on 1 September and take part in an overtime ban the next day, as fellow union RMT (The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers) launches its own industrial action.
According to union boss Mick Whelan, Aslef had not “heard a word” from rail employers and the government since 26 April and 6 January respectively.
“This shows how the contempt in which the companies, and the government, hold passengers and staff and public transport in Britain,” he said.
As a result, members of his union are piling the pressure on to go “harder and faster” with industrial action, Whelan added.
Aslef’s latest action will mark the union’s 12th strike day in just over a year, as it seeks a pay rise for members in line with inflation.
RMT has also announced a fresh bout of strike action, with drivers of Arriva-owned CrossCountry trains set to walk out on four consecutive Saturdays between 19 August and 9 September.