The FA Cup final and Epsom Derby will be affected by Saturday’s Aslef strike.
Train conductors are expected to go on strike today in advance of high-profile events such as the FA Cup final, the Epsom Derby, and a Beyonce concert.
In the long-running dispute over pay and working conditions, Aslef union members are engaging in industrial action.
Manchester United and Manchester City fans traveling to Wembley Stadium for the season finale are advised not to take the train but to drive instead, resulting in probable heavy traffic on the roads.
To avoid clashing with the Epsom Derby 90 minutes earlier, the first all-Manchester FA Cup final will start at 3 p.m.
Saturday’s delays will affect England vs. Ireland at Lord’s and Beyonce’s Renaissance tour stop at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Rail Delivery Group estimated that 40% of trains will run, with certain regions having no train service.
We’re committed to the long term.
The strike follows identical actions taken by the train drivers’ union and the RMT union on Wednesday and Friday. Respectively, in their ongoing dispute with the government over pay and working conditions.
On Friday, 20,000 workers in catering, stations, and train supervisors went on strike, affecting services throughout the nation.
Also both unions rejected the government’s compensation offers this year, with union chiefs saying industrial action remains popular.
Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan stated that there was “no waning enthusiasm” among train drivers to continue industrial action. Describing the government’s offer of a 4% pay increase for this and last year as “dismal.”
He stated, “We are committed to finding a solution and will be involved for the long haul.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport stated, “Not content with affecting the hundreds of thousands of people who look forward to these events year-round, unions are also targeting the pockets of their members by compelling them to miss pay during every strike.
Union leaders must communicate the government’s fair and acceptable compensation offer to their members.
