Train strikes to take place throughout first week of December, announces drivers’ union ASLEF

Train drivers have announced a series of strikes expected to throw people’s December plans into chaos.

The rolling strikes by union ASLEF (Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen) will see drivers at different train operating companies walk out on different days throughout the first week of the month.

Disruption is planned for six dates between Saturday December 2 and Friday December 8. Drivers are also refusing to work any overtime between December 1 and December 19.

Staff with Greater Anglia – which operates trains between London Liverpool Street and Cambridge through Bishop’s Stortford, as well as the Stansted Express airport service – are scheduled to strike on Tuesday December 5.

Services are expected to be cancelled on strike days while the overtime ban could lead to additional disruption, both to commuters and households looking to enjoy the build-up to Christmas.

ASLEF, which rejected a pay offer in the spring, has been embroiled in an 18-month disagreement with bosses over pay.

"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," explained general secretary Mick Whelan.

Strikes will take place on the following dates at the following train operating companies:

Saturday, December 2 – East Midlands Railway and LNER

Sunday, December 3 – Avanti West Coast, Chiltern, Great Northern Thameslink and West Midlands Trains

Tuesday, December 5 – C2C and Greater Anglia

Wednesday, December 6 – Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, SWR main line, SWR depot drivers and Island Line

Thursday, December 7 – CrossCountry and GWR

Friday, December 8 – Northern and TP

Meanwile, train staff and rail workers in the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) are voting on whether to accept their latest pay deal.

Tens of thousands of RMT members have walked out repeatedly since last year as they campaign for better pay, improved working conditions and greater job security.

The union’s vote closes on November 30 – just 48 hours before ASLEF’s planned industrial action is set to begin.