Train drivers to stage overtime ban for another week as part of pay dispute
Train operators will refuse to work overtime from July 17 to 22, following on from a ban taking place for a week starting on Monday.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Train drivers are to stage another week of banning overtime in their long running dispute over pay.
Aslef announced that its members at 15 train operators will refuse to work overtime from July 17 to 22.
This follows a week-long overtime ban which began on Monday until July 8.
The withdrawal of non-contractual overtime, or rest day working, will affect Avanti West Coast; Chiltern Railways; Cross Country; East Midlands Railway; Greater Anglia; Great Western Railway; GTR Great Northern Thameslink; Island Line; LNER; Northern Trains; Southeastern; Southern/Gatwick Express; South Western Railway main line; TransPennine Express; and West Midlands Trains.
Mick Whelan, Aslef’s general secretary, said: “We want to resolve this dispute. Train drivers don’t want to be inconveniencing the public.
“That’s why we have given the Government and the rail operators plenty of opportunities to come to the table and talk to us, but it is clear that they do not want a resolution.
“Our members – the train drivers who keep the railway running day in, day out, from early in the morning until late at night, all the year round – have shown they are not prepared to accept the Government’s attempts to force our industry into managed decline.
The Government has played its part to try and end this dispute by facilitating a fair and reasonable pay offer that would see train drivers’ already high salaries increase from an average of £60,000 to £65,000
“Rail travel is a vital part of our country’s fight against climate change and rail connectivity is essential to the UK economy.
“That’s why it’s time for a fair deal and a sensible resolution so we can grow and improve our railways for the future.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Calling a ban on overtime the same week that RMT is striking will impact families at the beginning of the summer holidays and those planning on attending the Ashes, representing a co-ordinated effort by both unions to prolong the disruption.
“The Government has played its part to try and end this dispute by facilitating a fair and reasonable pay offer that would see train drivers’ already high salaries increase from an average of £60,000 to £65,000. Aslef now needs to do the right thing and put the offer to its members for a vote.”