Members of the drivers’ union Aslef at 15 train companies will go on strike on January 5 following resounding support for further industrial action in a protracted dispute over wages.
Train operators will mount a second strike early in the new year, posing a threat to commuters returning to work after the holiday vacation.
Members of the drivers’ union Aslef at 15 train companies will go on strike on January 5 following resounding support for further industrial action in a protracted dispute over wages.
Here are the dates of RMT strikes:
On January 3, 4, 6, and 7, members of the Rail, Maritime, and Transport (RMT) union at Network Rail and 14 train operators will go on strike, crippling services for a week.
Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef, stated, “We do not wish to go on strike, but the companies have forced us into this position.
“They have not offered a dime to our members at these companies, and these individuals have not received a raise since April 2019.”
When inflation exceeds 14%, it is expected that train drivers for these companies will accept a pay cut in real terms and work just as hard for significantly less.
Appeal to action
The train companies have stated, “The government has tied their hands, yet the government, which does not employ us, states that it is up to the firms to negotiate with us.”
Mr. Whelan further stated that they would be “willing to compromise” and would never “refuse to sit down and discuss.”
However, he added, “these businesses have offered us nothing, which is unacceptable.”
The legislation states that a mandate is only valid for six months, therefore Aslef had to re-vote its members. According to Aslef, its members again voted decisively to engage in strike action.
“Fierce and determined”
Mr. Whelan continued, “Our members’ resolve is unwavering.” A 93% “yes” vote – up from the extremely high figure last time – on an average participation rate of 85% demonstrates that our members are in it for the long haul. It demonstrates how furious and determined we are.
The new mandate is now in effect “for the next six months,” according to Mr. Whelan.
The only way to end this is for the companies to make a genuine and reasonable offer, and for the government not to interfere.
There will be at least one nationwide walkout per day preceding Christmas, as workers in various businesses demand higher wages.
Aslef emphasized that strikes are always a “last resort” since “the intransigent attitude of the train companies, with the government behaving maliciously in the background, has forced our hand.”
Because these drivers, who transported essential employees and products across the country during the pandemic, have not received a raise in over four years.
With inflation reaching 14%, employers and the government are requesting that we accept a pay decrease in real terms.
Companies have been advised to “bring a proper proposal to the table” to prevent more strike activities.
