Train strikes latest: Elizabeth line drivers to walk out over pay
Aslef seeks a rise from the current £72,465 salary that recognises ‘the value of drivers in the line’s success’
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Passengers on the UK’s busiest rail route, London’s Elizabeth line, face four days of disruption when train drivers walk out in February and March.
Members of the Aslef union have voted overwhelmingly to strike in a dispute over pay with the operating company, MTR.
Train drivers will walk out on Thursday 27 February, Saturday 1 March, Saturday 8 March and Monday 10 March.
The strike is likely to cause severe disruption to commuters on the east-west route through London, as well as travellers to and from Heathrow airport. On a busy day, passengers make 800,000 journeys on the line.
In November last year, MTR was told it will lose the contract in May 2025. A new consortium, GTS Rail Operations, will take over.
Elizabeth line train drivers currently earn an annual salary of £72,465. MTR has proposed a 4.5 per cent increase to £75,726, but the drivers are seeking a more substantial rise.
On a turn-out of 88 per cent, they voted 19:1 in favour of a walkout.
Mick Whelan, Aslef’s general secretary, said: “Our members have been instrumental in the success of the Elizabeth line – it’s a partnership, in practice, between the company and its employees – but, despite our best efforts, MTR has decided not to recognise the input, the importance, and the value of train drivers in this success.
“I suspect that the company’s intransigence is because it has lost the contract with TfL to run the Elizabeth line; if that is indeed the case, it is very disappointing to see the company behave this way.”
Nigel Gibson, Aslef’s lead officer with MTR, said: ‘Taking action is always a last resort, because we do not want to inconvenience passengers and our members do not want to lose money, and I hope that the company, seeing the strength of feeling amongst our members, their drivers, will do the right thing and return to the negotiating table.”
Mike Bagshaw, managing director for MTR Elizabeth line, said: “We are disappointed that drivers on the Elizabeth line have rejected a 4.5 per cent pay rise and voted for industrial action.
“The offer would have maintained some of the highest salaries in the industry, along with enhanced terms and conditions.
“Any potential strike action will be disruptive for those who rely on the Elizabeth line, and we will work closely with Transport for London to ensure customers are informed of alternative travel options.
“We remain committed to engaging with Aslef in the hope of resolving this dispute.”
A spokesperson for Transport for London said: “We encourage Aslef and MTR Elizabeth line to continue working towards resolving this dispute and avoid impacting our customers with strike action.”
Rail passengers to and from London are facing strikes by train drivers working for Hull Trains, as well as by train managers employed by Avanti West Coast.
