New wave of train strikes

Train drivers who are members of ASLEF union have made ready to take a new wave of strike action in a long-running dispute over pay. A series of strikes are taking place from 30 January to 5 February, with workers walking out at 14 train companies on different days throughout the week and refusing to work overtime during those days.

"We have given the government every opportunity to come to the table but it has now been a year since we had any contact from the Department for Transport,” ASLEF general secretary Mick Whelan commented.

"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," he added.