When Aslef is taking action in July 2023 and if trains will be running
Train travel has been disrupted a lot since last year, and it looks like the strikes may continue throughout summer.
The Aslef union is holding a second overtime ban in July, and strikes will also take place this month.
When is the overtime ban?
The withdrawal of non-contractual overtime will be in place from 00:01 on Monday 17 July until 23:59 on Saturday 22 July.
It comes after a previous overtime ban that lasted from Monday 3 July until Saturday 8 July.
Which rail lines are affected?
- Avanti West Coast
- Chiltern Railways
- CrossCountry
- East Midlands Railway
- Greater Anglia
- Great Western Railway
- GTR Great Northern – Thameslink
- Island Line
- London North East Railway
- Northern
- Southeastern
- Southern and Gatwick Express
- South Western Railway
- TransPennine Express
- West Midlands Trains
Why is there an overtime ban?
Train drivers have been offered a pay package that would see their salaries increase by 4 per cent two years in a row, but Aslef has rejected this offer.
General secretary, Mick Whelan, said: “Train drivers don’t want to be inconveniencing the public. We want to resolve this dispute.
“We have given the Government and rail operators plenty of opportunities to come to the table but it remains clear that they do not want a resolution.
“Our members – the drivers who keep the railway running day in, day out – will not accept the Government’s attempts to force our industry into decline. Rail travel is a vital part of the fight against climate change. Rail connectivity is essential to the country’s economy.
“It’s time for a fair deal and a resolution so we can grow our railway and improve it for the future.”
The Rail Delivery Group, which represents the rail companies, said Aslef had rejected a “fair and affordable offer” without putting it to its members.
“We ask Aslef to recognise the very real financial challenge the industry is facing and work with us to deliver a better, more reliable railway with a strong long-term future,” it added.
When are the next train strikes?
The RMT union has confirmed rail strikes will take place on the following dates:
- Thursday 20 July
- Saturday 22 July
- Sunday 29 July
The action is likely to be on a similar scale to previous RMT strikes, which have shut down the majority of the country’s rail services. Some operators will be unable to run any trains, while others will offer a significantly reduced service.
How much are train drivers paid?
Train drivers’ pay depends on the individual companies they work for. According to recruitment company Reed, the average train driver salary in the UK is £48,500 per year.
Reed says: “Train drivers can expect to begin with an average starting salary of £30,000, with the highest salaries often exceeding £65,000.
“Train driver salaries can also differ between commercial or freight roles. The average freight train driver salary in the UK is £44,418.
“The average train driver salary in London is £58,795, with experienced professionals in the region having salaries that often exceed £69,000, while train driver salaries in Scotland start at £38,194 for newly qualified drivers, rising to £48,360 after the probation period has ended.”
According to Reed, these are the average salaries for a train driver at the following companies:
- London North Eastern Railway – £30,000 to £70,000
- Transport for London – £57,217 to £61,620
- Scotrail – £50,659 to £56,245
- Northern Rail – £40,104 to £57,546
- East Midlands Railway – £54,403 to £61,467
- Great Western Railway – £49,807 to £67,304
- Merseyrail – £50,572 to £55,415
- Southeastern Railway – £37,261 to £58,503