Train drivers on LNER, represented by the union Aslef, are scheduled to hold a series of strikes every weekend from August 31 to November 10.
Members of the train drivers’ union are launching a new wave of strikes at LNER, running from late August through November.
Aslef attributes the renewed strike action to “a breakdown in industrial relations, management bullying, and persistent breaches of agreements.”
Mick Whelan, Aslef’s general secretary, emphasized that this dispute is separate from the pay rise agreed upon with the Government on Wednesday. On Friday morning, he criticized LNER’s leadership for their “boorish behaviour and bullying tactics.”
He added, “The company’s ongoing failure to resolve long-standing industrial relations issues has forced us into this position. We would much prefer not to be here.
“But the company has repeatedly and brutally violated diagramming and roster agreements, ignored the agreed bargaining process, and acted in complete bad faith. When we agree, we honour it. This company does not.”
Hundreds of train drivers will strike every Saturday and Sunday from August 31 to November 10, totalling 22 days of industrial action.
This decision comes just two days after the Government agreed to a 14.25 percent pay increase for train drivers, retroactive for the past three years.
LNER has been under state ownership since 2018, following the return of the franchise by Virgin Trains to the Government.
The rail industry receives an annual subsidy of £12 billion, with £4.4 billion allocated to passenger train companies.
In the 2022-23 fiscal year, LNER received £85 million in subsidies, supplementing the £723 million it earned from ticket sales and other revenue sources, such as onboard catering.
