The train drivers’ union, ASLEF, has ended its ban on overtime working at TransPennine Express which has greatly disrupted services for many months.

The union imposed the ban in response to TransPennine Express attempting a ‘land grab’ on the company’s terms and conditions, and trying to blame train drivers for its failure to recruit enough drivers to run the services they are contracted to run.

Since the ban was implemented, TransPennine Express has been brought into government control as an Operator of Last Resort, which allowed talks between the new operator and the union to be reopened.

Mick Whelan, General Secretary, commented “ASLEF members have always been prepared to work with the company and agree rest-day working to facilitate the recruitment and training of new drivers. It was regrettable that we had to take the action to ban overtime working, as this kind of action is always a last resort.

“The opportunity to resolve the issue through the Operator of Last Resort has been welcome. We came to the table in good faith and, following productive negotiations this week, we are able to end the overtime ban.

“I hope that we will be able to continue in the spirit of collaboration and maintain positive industrial relations with the operator going forward.”

Responding to the announcement, Lord McLoughlin, Chair of Transport for the North said: “I very much welcome today’s announcement that agreements have been reached to restore Rest Day Working at TransPennine Express.”

“Efficient and reliable rail services across the North are fundamental to our transport system and this positive development should help in returning these services to the levels passengers in the North rightly expect and deserve.

“Transport for the North will continue to work closely with the new leadership at TransPennine Express to build on this positive step forward.”