The ongoing dispute over pay and conditions for train drivers has led to strikes affecting 16 companies. Aslef, the union representing train drivers, and RMT, the union representing other rail workers, have been taking regular industrial action in the past 18 months. Aslef will be striking on Wednesday 4 October and has also implemented an overtime ban for drivers from Monday 2 October to Friday 6 October, which has led to the cancellation of many services on affected routes.
The strikes have caused significant disruption to train services, with passengers advised to check before they travel. Passengers with advance tickets may be able to claim refunds if their train is cancelled, delayed, or rescheduled. Season ticket holders are entitled to 100% compensation for strike days through the Delay Repay scheme.
Unions have been calling for pay offers that reflect the rising cost of living, but the rail industry has been under pressure to save money following a financial shortfall caused by the pandemic. The industry has said that reforms to ways of working would need to be agreed for pay to increase. The average salary for rail workers in 2022 was £45,919, but the figure excludes drivers, who tend to be members of Aslef, not RMT. The median pay for “train and tram drivers” is just under £59,000, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Unions are obliged to give at least 14 days’ notice of any strike action. Passengers are advised to check National Rail or individual operators’ websites for the latest information
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