New year but old rail chaos as drivers plan more strikes

Train drivers are set to stage another strike early in the new year, threatening travel chaos as many return to work.

Members of the drivers’ union Aslef at 15 railway companies will withdraw from the long-standing wage dispute on Thursday, January 5th.

Members of the RMT union at Network Rail and 14 train operators plan to strike on January 3rd, 4th, 6th and 7th, bringing services to a standstill for a week.

Aslef General Secretary Mick Whelan said: “We don’t want to go on strike but the companies have pushed us into this place.

“They haven’t offered our members a penny, and these are people who haven’t had a raise since April 2019.”

A spokesman for Rail Delivery Group said the strikes would disrupt New Year’s travel plans for millions.

“We want to work with Aslef to end this dispute that is hurting passengers, the industry and its members,” he added.

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