Rail strikes have cost the UK economy around £500mln so far this year, according to rail minister Huw Merriman, even before further action by Aslef Union members planned for 26 November.
As it was announced that 9,500 members from 12 operators would walk out, Aslef general secretary, Mick Whelan said: “Withdrawing our labour is always a last resort for a trade union.”
"Most of these drivers have not had an increase in salary since 2019,” he said, despite current inflation of over 10%.
The increasing frequency of rail strikes has seen businesses urge operators and unions to reach agreements.
UKHospitality CEO, Kate Nicholls highlighted that because of strikes, businesses are facing mounting costs as they “continue to lose customers who can’t travel and they struggle to serve the ones that do visit, due to staff being unable to get into work.”
Meanwhile, rail suppliers could be looking at investment opportunities elsewhere according to the Rail Industry Association (RIA).
A survey of its members found the majority expect a “hiatus” in rail work over the next year, with 57% suggesting international projects could be prioritised above those in the UK.
Darren Caplan, RIA CEO commented: “There is a real risk that businesses are put off investing in the UK because of uncertainty over future rail funding or delays in decisions on rail reform.”
In response to the disruption caused by strikes, the government is in the process of introducing its Transport Strikes Bill, which would see operators and unions legally required to ensure minimum service levels were met during days of industrial action.
Increased costs of living have seen strikes become all the more common as workers demand pay rises to cope with high inflation.
Nurses from over half of the UK’s NHS services this week voted to strike before the new year, alongside as many as 100,000 civil servants.