Disputes between trade unions and train companies in the UK have now been dragging on for two years, with rail workers taking action to protest poor pay and working conditions. So, it’s a surprise to absolutely no one that more train strikes are on the way.
Today (April 22), ASLEF has announced that train drivers at 16 operators across the UK will be walking out over three days in May. And that isn’t all: drivers will also take part in a six-day overtime ban. The union’s members previously voted to continue striking until at least August 2024.
In better news, industrial action on London’s tube network has been called off, including on a date in May. The RMT also says that it has come to some sort of agreement with the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) over pay and job security that will pause action by RMT members until sometime this spring.
Here is everything you need to know about upcoming industrial action on the UK’s rail network.
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All you need to know about the train strikes in London.
When are the next train strike dates?
The next train strikes will take place on on May 7-9, while drivers will not work overtime from May 6-11.
What train lines will be affected?
For the upcoming strikes on May 7-9, different operators will be impacted on different days. Here’s the breakdown.
May 7: c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, South Western and Gatwick Express.
May 8: Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Railway.
May 9: LNER, Northern Trains, and TransPennine.
When ASLEF workers go on a nationwide strike, these are the lines that are typically impacted.
- Avanti West Coast
- CrossCountry
- East Midlands Railway
- Great Western Railway
- LNER
- TransPennine Express
- C2C
- Greater Anglia
- GTR (Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern, Thameslink)
- Southeastern
- South Western Railway
- Chiltern Railways
- Northern Trains
- West Midlands Railway
How will rail travel be affected by the strikes?
During nationwide strikes, rail travel typically comes to a standstill all over the country. You can find out more about how services are affected on the National Rail website.
Often, disruption isn’t just on the day of a strike. There is usually also an impact on services in the afternoon and evening on the day before each strike, as well as on the morning of the day after. This is because trains and drivers are out of their planned positions as a result of the strikes.
Do workers get paid when on strike?
UK law states that employers do not have to pay employees who take part in industrial action. However, some unions keep some money aside to issue strikers with ‘strike pay’ while they occupy picket lines. For example, the RMT has the National Dispute Fund, which is supported by union membership payments as well as donations from members of the public.
When will the rail strikes end?
Unless a deal on pay, job security and working conditions is reached between unions and rail operators, it’s likely that strikes could continue for a long while yet. Back in February, ASLEF members voted to continue striking until at least August 2024.
While the RMT reached a deal with the RDG at the end of 2023, this is only a temporary agreement until more discussions take place this spring.
Why are rail workers striking?
Different rail unions have been striking for different reasons – including job security and working conditions – but the overarching reason is a cut in real-terms pay.
Drivers at ASLEF have been walking out after what it called a ‘risible’ pay offer of four percent a year for two years, as well as changes to working conditions. Some ASLEF drivers haven’t had a pay rise in five years.
What’s the deal with working practices?
Due to changes in travelling habits following the pandemic, with fewer commuters and off-peak train travel, some bosses want to change previous ‘archaic’ working practices and to introduce new technology and run teams more efficiently. Unions fear this may lead to job cuts, and it’s one of the most contentious issues in the dispute.
Can I get a refund if my train is cancelled?
According to National Rail, if your train is cancelled, delayed or rescheduled due to the industrial action, you will:
• Be entitled to a change or refund from the original retailer of your ticket
• Be able to use your ticket with another train company or an alternative route if it is available
Is the Eurostar affected by the train strikes?
Eurostar has said that strikes will not affect its timetable. However, if you’re getting a connecting journey within the UK, make sure that you check whether it is still running before you leave and allow extra time when travelling to and from London on strike days.
What do rail chiefs and unions have to say about the strikes?
ASLEF general secretary Mick Whelan said: ‘It is now a year since we sat in a room with the train companies – and a year since we rejected the risible offer they made and which they admitted, privately, was designed to be rejected.’
Previously, Whelan said: ‘Many of our members have now not had a single penny increase to their pay in half a decade, during which inflation soared and with it the cost of living.
‘The government has now tried their old trick of changing the rules when they can’t win and brought in minimum service levels legislation. But this new law, as we told officials during the consultation period, won’t ease industrial strife. It will likely just make it worse.
‘There’s no excuse. The government and train operating companies must come to the table with a realistic offer so we can end this dispute and work together to ensure the future of our railways.’
Are there any other strikes to be aware of?
There are indeed. Border Force staff at Heathrow recently voted to strike, and lots of industrial action is taking place in airports across Europe.
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