Train drivers announce fresh round of strikes

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Train drivers are set to stage a fresh round of strikes in their long running dispute over pay.

The Aslef union has announced a "rolling programme" of walkouts between 2 and 9 December, with different train companies affected on each day.

Drivers will also refuse to work any overtime from 1 to 9 December as part of the industrial action.

Little progress has been made in the 18-month long row, with union bosses rejecting a pay offer back in spring.

"Our members have spoken and we know what they think. Every time they vote - and they have voted overwhelmingly - for strike action in pursuit of a proper pay rise it is a clear rejection of the offer that was made in April," said Aslef's general secretary Mick Whelan.

Services are expected to be cancelled on strike days, causing disruption for passengers.

"We are determined to win this dispute," said Mr Whelan, as he criticised Transport Secretary Mark Harper who he said had "gone missing in action during this dispute". The union boss described the pay offer made from the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train companies, as "risible".

The offer put forward in April included a series of changes to working practices which would enable pay rises of 4% for one year and 4% the next.

The median salary for train drivers was £59,189 per year in 2021.

Separately, rail workers in the RMT union are voting on whether to accept a deal in their dispute over pay, job security and working conditions.

That vote closes on 30 November, the day before Aslef's new industrial action begins.

Both unions have been locked in a row with train companies over pay and working conditions, leading to regular strikes over the past 18 months.