Dispute over pay rise: Another strike on British Railways

Train passengers in Great Britain should be prepared for numerous cancellations. The reason was another strike by train drivers. The union says there has been no pay rise for three years. That is “unacceptable”.

Another strike in Great Britain has hit rail transport hard. At nine regional operators, several thousand train drivers walked off the job to reiterate their demands for a significant increase in wages. This was announced by Aslef, the train drivers’ union. He described the 24-hour strikes as a “last-ditch effort” to push back employers and the government to tackle inflation, which is now more than nine percent.

The strikes have completely shut down some links, such as London’s Heathrow Airport. It should be back to normal on Sunday. Further strikes are planned at British Railways for next Thursday and Saturday.

No pay rise for three years

Railways in Great Britain have been largely privatized since the 1990s. However, private operators have to comply with certain government regulations. The union is negotiating with employers to secure higher wages and is calling on the British government to take action.

Aslef pointed out that train drivers have not received a raise for three years. Given the massive increase in the cost of living, this is “unacceptable”. Railway companies cannot give decent wage hikes without government approval.

Employers are calling for reforms

However, a spokesman for the British Department for Transport called for workers and employers to come to an agreement so that passengers can travel without disruption. Steve Montgomery, a representative of bosses at Rail Delivery Group, told the BBC they were willing to pay the increases, but sales had collapsed during the pandemic. Reforms are necessary. They are demanding change in status and working conditions of railway employees.

During the historic strike in June, railway workers paralyzed most train operations for three days. It was the UK’s biggest rail strike for more than 30 years.