Train Drivers Announce new Train Strikes in December

UK train strikes announced for December

Train drivers have recently announced a renewed series of Train Strikes set to take place in December’ adding another chapter to their prolonged disagreement over compensation. The Aslef union has introduced a comprehensive “rolling program” of walkouts scheduled between December 2 and December 8’ targeting different train companies on each designated day. In a show of solidarity’ drivers have also committed to abstain from working any overtime between December 1 and December 9.

Aslef insists that the time has come for a “proper pay rise’” asserting their stance on fair compensation. However’ the Rail Delivery Group (RDG)’ representing the operators’ deems this course of action “wholly unnecessary.” UK Hospitality’ an organization representing hospitality businesses’ voiced concerns about the impending Train Strikes’ estimating potential industry losses of up to £800 million during the “critical festive period.” Kate Nicholls’ the head of the organization’ emphasized the significance of avoiding Train Strikes in December’ as the festive season plays a pivotal role in sustaining businesses through the quieter months of January to March.

Despite the protracted nature of the 18-month dispute’ little headway has been made’ with Aslef leaders rejecting a pay offer extended in the spring. The union has staged 14 one-day Train Strikes thus far’ causing significant disruptions to train services in England and even affecting cross-border routes.

General Secretary Mick Whelan emphasized the members’ resolute stance’ stating’ “Our members have spoken’ and we know what they think. Every time they vote overwhelmingly for strike action in pursuit of a proper pay rise’ it is a clear rejection of the offer made in April.”

The scheduled strikes will impact various train companies on specific days’ potentially leading to service cancellations and passenger disruptions. Aslef’s determination to prevail in this dispute is evident’ with criticism directed at Transport Secretary Mark Harper’ who is accused of being “missing in action.”

The union leader disparaged the pay offer from the Rail Delivery Group as “risible.” The April proposal included changes to working practices and a pay deal comprising a 4% wage increase retroactively for 2022 and an additional 4% rise for 2023. Notably’ the median salary for train drivers in 2021 was £59’189 per year.

In response’ the RDG defended the proposed pay rise as “fair and affordable’” expressing concerns that the walkouts would “disrupt customers and businesses ahead of the vital festive period.” The Department for Transport weighed in’ accusing Aslef of “targeting the public” and advocating for the union’s members to have a say in the latest pay offer through a vote.

Simultaneously’ members of the RMT union are currently voting on a deal related to their disputes over pay’ job security’ and working conditions. This vote concludes on November 30’ the day preceding the initiation of Aslef’s new industrial action. The ongoing conflicts between both unions and train companies have resulted in a series of regular Train Strikes over the past 18 months.

Tell me more about the RMT union.

The National Union of Rail’ Maritime’ and Transport Workers’ commonly known as the RMT (Rail’ Maritime’ and Transport) union’ is a prominent trade union based in the United Kingdom. It was established in 1990 through the merger of the National Union of Railwaymen (NUR) and the National Union of Seamen (NUS)’ along with the Maritime Staff Association.

Key aspects of the RMT union include:

1. Scope and Membership:
   • The RMT is a multi-sector union that represents workers in various transportation-related industries’ including railways’ shipping’ and offshore energy. It has a diverse membership that includes railway and transport workers’ seafarers’ and employees in related sectors.
2. Leadership and Structure:
   • The union is led by a General Secretary’ who is the chief executive officer’ along with other elected officials. The General Secretary as of my last knowledge update in January 2022 is Mick Lynch.
   • The RMT has a democratic structure with decision-making powers vested in elected representatives and members.
3. Goals and Objectives:
   • The RMT focuses on advocating for the rights and interests of its members’ including issues related to pay’ working conditions’ job security’ and health and safety.
   • The union is known for its commitment to defending public services’ opposing privatization’ and campaigning for improved safety standards in the transport industry.
4. Industrial Action and Strikes:
   • Like many trade unions’ the RMT has a history of engaging in industrial action’ including strikes’ to address grievances and negotiate better terms for its members.
   • Strikes organized by the RMT have’ at times’ resulted in disruptions to transportation services’ drawing attention to the concerns of its members.
5. Political Affiliation:
   • The RMT has been historically associated with a more left-wing or socialist political stance. It has often supported political candidates and parties aligned with its goals.
6. Campaigns and Initiatives:
   • The union actively engages in various campaigns and initiatives’ ranging from highlighting safety concerns to opposing job cuts and privatization in the transport sector.
7. International Connections:
   • The RMT is a member of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)’ connecting it with other transportation unions globally. This affiliation allows the RMT to collaborate on international labor issues and share best practices.

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