The ASLEF Union, which is the union for train drivers, has announced that London North Eastern Railway members are to go on strike.
Members at the operator, which runs trains between London and Edinburgh, will go on strike every Saturday and Sunday between the 31st of August and the 10th of November.
The decision follows on from a breakdown in industrial relations and is separate to the national pay dispute.
We are still awaiting to hear from LNER, but here is what Mick Whelan from the ASLEF union had to say:
‘The continued failure of the company to resolve long-standing industrial relations issues has forced us into this position. We would much rather not be here. But the company has brutally, and repeatedly, broken diagramming and roster agreements, failed to adhere to the agreed bargaining machinery, and totally acted in bad faith. When we make an agreement, we stick to it. This company doesn’t. And we are not prepared to put up with their boorish behaviour and bullying tactics.’
Mick Whelan, general secretary
Responses
Driverless trains? Well the principal guidance system has been in place since the beginning of railways!
Driverless trains is the future and it’s coming sooner than they think
Nobody is listening to the union here who simply expect agreements to be adhered to. However, it would appear that people have already made up their minds. It is the poor management at LNER that need sacking.
The union bosses will continue to be very well paid, whatever happens. Down with capitalism, brothers.
Average pay around £60k a year for drivers? Stop acting like stroppy teenagers and get on with life – Union boss included
They all get 1000 quid a week plus…
But its just Not enough is it!!
The point is, if the Government is “seen” to give the unions everything they want.The railway will not be able to progress to the sort of a railway we all might want.There is a likelyhood that any change that is proposed, even if it is the railway travelling public’s best interests, will be opposed, if the rail unions do not like it.The fact that ASLEF has stoked up this, already existing dispute, so soon after the massive pay offer is telling.Plus RMT signifying they want some more is significantly sums up the unions mindset.
It’s Ok. Labour will step in and give them what they want. Plus a bit extra.
😄
Yes and they will want more and will threaten some kind of industrial dispute ever time there is something they do want. The present LNER dispute is timed at weekend for three months.As the time “stretch” for advance bookings, it would appear to be deliberately timed to effectively deprived LNER of those advance booking.I do think that is bloody minded and sinical on the unions part.
The unions are just going to drive the rail industry to its death. I can’t sympathise with any of the drivers anymore after striking for more pay when they earn way more then most more important jobs like doctors and teachers. And especially seen as there are people who drive trains for free! So after 2 years of on and off strikes, get a grip.
The driverless train is coming down the track. And once it arrives, a lot of very well paid jobs will be history. I sat behind the driver of a German ICE more than 15 years ago and he did little more than wave to the drivers of other trains, the thing practically drove itself.
I do hope so. Can’t understand why London Underground trains aren’t driverless? Docklands are without any issues. It amazes me how on the Jubilee Line they always stop exactly opposite the ‘safety’ doors. Never overrun and have to reverse a yard!! 😄