TRAIN drivers, including those who work for Northern, have voted overwhelmingly for strike action in a dispute over pay.

A majority of members of the train drivers' union ASLEF, which represents Northern and TransPennine Express, voted in favour of strike action.

"Strikes are always the last resort," said general secretary of ASLEF Mick Whelan, who pointed out drivers are angry. "These are the men and women who moved key workers and goods around the country during the pandemic – yet have not had a pay rise since 2019.

"With inflation running at north of 10% – and set to go much higher – several train companies are saying that they want their drivers to take a real terms pay cut. Their attitude is 'suck it up' – and that stinks.

"After our one-day strike on Saturday, August 13, the Rail Delivery Group, the pressure group which represents privatised train operating companies, asked for talks. Those talks were strained, but quite constructive. There were no concrete proposals but dialogue will, we hope, continue.

"We are calling on the companies to come to the table with a proper proposal to prevent another strike and all the disruption that causes. The ball is now firmly in the train companies’ court."

 

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