…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
Train drivers’ union Aslef has announced three more days of rail strikes as the year-long pay dispute remains unresolved.
Aslef claimed the pay offer from train firms was only worth 4%, which it rejected, adding that train drivers had not received a pay rise since 2019.
The strike will cause chaos on May 12, when thousands of fans are due to head to Wembley stadium for the FA Cup Final, and will have an impact on people heading to Liverpool for the Eurovision song contest the following day.
Furthermore, the June 3 strike will cause problems for Beyoncé fans heading to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium for her Renaissance world tour concert, as well as cricket fans with tickets for the England v Ireland test match at Lord’s, and those travelling to Epsom Derby.
The train drivers will also withdraw non-contractual overtime from Monday May 15 to Saturday May 20 inclusive, as well as on Saturday May 13 and Thursday June 1.
Analysis:
This latest development shows that the year-long dispute between train firms and unions is far from over.
The latest announcement of three more days of rail strikes by Aslef and further action involving a work-to-rule is a blow to hopes that the situation was close to being resolved.
The upcoming strikes will cause chaos and significant disruptions, particularly on FA Cup Final day and for Beyoncé fans heading to her Renaissance world tour concert.
The Rail Delivery Group said the strike was unnecessary and urged Aslef to re-join negotiations.
However, the ball is now in the court of train firms, as they will have to come up with a more realistic and sensible offer to end this deadlock.