Train drivers vote to continue strike action in pay dispute
Train drivers have voted overwhelmingly to continue taking strike action for the next six months in their long-running pay dispute.
Aslef said a re-ballot of its members showed they are “in it for the long haul”.
Unions involved in industrial disputes have to hold a fresh ballot every six months to ask their members if they want to continue taking action.
Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said on Wednesday: “Once again our members have decided that we are in this for the long haul.
“Train drivers are sick to the back teeth of their employers and the Government failing to negotiate in good faith, and blaming drivers for their inability to manage services and the rail industry effectively.
“Aslef members, the key workers who kept our country moving through the pandemic, are simply asking for a fair deal on pay so that they can afford to keep up with their outgoings in this Government-made cost-of-living crisis.
“We have always said we are prepared to come to the table but the Government and the train companies need to understand that this dispute won’t be resolved by trying to bully our members into accepting worse terms and conditions.”
Aslef balloted 12,500 of its members at 15 train operators, with most voting by more than 90% in favour of continuing with strikes and other forms of industrial action.
Some of the drivers have now been balloted three times since the dispute started last year.
Aslef has taken 11 days of strike action since last summer.
Published: by Radio NewsHub