Train drivers working for London North Eastern Railway (LNER) will be going on strike for a total of 22 days, covering every weekend from the end of August to November 2019. This announcement comes just two days after the government offered a new pay deal to ASLEF, the union representing the train drivers.
Nigel Roebuck, ASLEF’s lead negotiator, has denied that the union sees the Labour government as a “soft touch” following the announcement of these fresh strikes. He clarified that the strikes are a separate issue from the ongoing dispute over pay, which seems to be heading towards resolution after the government’s improved offer. The new offer will now be voted on by ASLEF members.
The strikes have sparked concerns that the government’s offer may have encouraged the unions to take further industrial action. This fear is compounded by the planned strike action of hundreds of Border Force officers at Heathrow Airport, also starting at the end of August.
Shadow home secretary James Cleverly, a candidate for the Tory leadership, has criticized the Labour government for being “played” by its union “paymasters”. He expressed concern for the families who rely on train travel to see their loved ones, saying that the strikes will be “devastating” for them.
In response to these criticisms, Mr. Roebuck defended the transport secretary Louise Haigh, saying she has done the “adult thing” in handling the situation. He also refuted the idea that the Labour government is a “soft touch”, stating that those who previously refused to communicate with the unions are now throwing stones from the sidelines.
Mr. Roebuck highlighted the strained relationship between ASLEF and LNER, calling it “toxic” and stating that it has led to a breakdown in industrial relations. He urged the operator to come to the table and resolve the issues in order to move the industry forward.
An LNER spokesperson expressed disappointment over the planned strikes and assured customers that minimizing disruption will be their priority. They also expressed surprise at the news, as recent conversations with ASLEF had been constructive. The operator remains committed to working with the union to find a solution to this ongoing dispute, which is causing harm to the rail industry.
A Department for Transport spokesperson also expressed disappointment for passengers and called on both ASLEF and LNER to resume negotiations in good faith and resolve the dispute as quickly as possible.
