Image source: EPATrain drivers are planning to engage in further industrial action as part of an ongoing dispute regarding pay and working conditions. Over the past 18 months, both the train drivers’ union Aslef and the RMT union, which represents other rail workers, have frequently initiated industrial action. London’s Tube network is also expected to face disruptions due to an impending strike by station staff.
The train strikes are scheduled for Saturday, September 30th, and Wednesday, October 4th, with an accompanying overtime ban for drivers on Friday, September 29th, and from Monday, October 2nd, to Friday, October 6th. On strike days, many affected operators will not run any services, and traveling the day before or after may also be impacted. On days with an overtime ban, there may be last-minute cancellations or reduced timetables. Passengers are advised to check for updates before their travel plans.
As for the Tube strikes, thousands of RMT members who work in London Underground stations will strike on Wednesday, October 4th, and Friday, October 6th, due to an ongoing dispute regarding job losses. The RMT predicts that this action will result in a cessation of Tube services, with subsequent service disruptions expected on the following mornings. However, the Elizabeth line, London Overground, DLR, and tram services will not be affected.
Sixteen train companies will be impacted by the strikes, including Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, c2c, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Great Western Railway, Island Line, LNER, Northern Trains, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway, TransPennine Express, and West Midlands Trains. Passengers are advised to check National Rail or individual operators’ websites for the most up-to-date information.
Refunds will be provided fee-free to passengers with advance tickets if their booked train is canceled, delayed, or rescheduled. Return ticket holders may also be eligible for a fee-free refund if any part of their journey is affected by the strikes. Season ticket holders (including flexi, monthly, or longer durations) who are unable to travel on strike dates can claim 100% compensation through the Delay Repay scheme.
The strikes are occurring as unions demand pay offers that reflect the increasing cost of living. However, the rail industry is facing financial challenges due to the pandemic, necessitating changes to working practices for pay increases to be feasible. The average salary for rail workers in 2022, excluding drivers, was £39,518, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The RMT argues that this figure is too high as it does not account for rail cleaning staff. The ONS reports that the median pay for “train and tram drivers” is just under £59,000.
The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) offered a backdated pay rise of 5% for 2022, with the intention to negotiate reforms for the following year’s pay rise with individual operators. RMT members voted to extend the strike mandate for an additional six months, while the Aslef union rejected a two-year offer of a 4% backdated pay raise for 2022 and a 4% increase for this year. Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan expressed that industrial action had become necessary due to the train companies’ refusal to engage in fair and meaningful discussions and make an acceptable pay offer. The Department for Transport has stated that the government has met with rail unions, listened to their concerns, and facilitated improved offers regarding pay and reform.
Unions are legally required to provide at least 14 days’ notice before initiating strike action.