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Drivers from 13 British rail companies went on strike on Wednesday, canceling services across the country.
Organized by the Association of Engineers and Firefighters (ASLEF), the industrial action marks the end of a series of strikes in the railway sector amid bitter disputes between trade unions, the government and businesses over wages, layoffs and changes in employment. The latest. terms and conditions.
The disruption will affect football matches and the final day of the Conservative Party convention in Birmingham.
ASLEF Executive Director Mick Whelan said deals had been struck in Scotland and Wales, but train drivers in England were facing no salary increase for a third year.
He called on the government to “lift the shackles” that he claimed were preventing railroad companies from making salary offers.
“The message I am getting from members is that they have been working on this for a long time and rather want more industrial action,” he said.
Also on Wednesday, members of the Transportation Salarymen’s Association (TSSA) moved out of the Cross-Country Railroad Company to take another form of industrial action against several other railroad companies.
Further strikes are planned. Members of his ASLEF, working on the Croydon Tramlink, have rejected offers of payment, and he plans to go on strike on 10 October and he on 11 October.
The TSSA went on strike on October 6, October 7, and October 8, and on October 8, more than a dozen rail companies and members of the Network Rail Rail, Shipping, and Transportation (RMT) union joined forces. We are going on strike.
“damage”
The government called the latest industrial action “incredibly disappointing”.
“Our railroads are in dire need of modernization, but further strikes will only punish the very people who claim unions will stand up and keep passengers away,” a Department of Transportation spokesman said. said.
Transportation Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan, who has taken a more conciliatory stance toward unions than her predecessor Grant Shaps, said on October 4 that “a deal is needed” between the unions and the railroad operators. but stressed that any agreement “would be necessary”. compromise. “
Speaking at a party convention in Birmingham, Trevelyan told members of the Conservative Party that “the last thing the country needs now is a more damaging industrial conflict”.
“My message to union members is simple: take a seat at the negotiating table and find a landing zone where we can all work together. Punishing passengers and harming the economy by striking is the answer. not,” she said.
PA Media contributed to this report.
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