Rail union votes to continue with strike action as part of national pay dispute

Rail strikes are set to carry on for the foreseeable future after members of ASLEF overwhelmingly voted to continue industrial action.

The train drivers’ union voted to back the continuation of strikes as part of its ongoing national dispute over pay.

Commenting on the ballot results, General Secretary Mick Whelan said: “Once again our members have decided, and made it clear 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.”