Aslef boss warns of 20 years of strikes over pay dispute as operators agree to more action

A RAIL union boss has warned of 20 years of strikes over the pay dispute.

Aslef boss Mick Whelan’s comments came as its members at 15 train operators yesterday agreed to more action — and will refuse to work overtime from July 17 to 22.

An overtime ban until Saturday is currently disrupting services.

A four per cent pay deal which would bring drivers’ pay to £65,000 has so far been rejected.

Mr Whelan said: “We’re going to take action until someone ­listens.

"If we have to whistle in the wind for five, ten, 20 years to get someone to the table, this will be resolved at some point, and somebody will talk to us properly.”

Most operators rely on workers clocking on for extra work just to run their full schedules.

Mr Whelan added: “We want to resolve this dispute. T

"rain drivers don’t want to be inconveniencing the public.

"We have given the Government and operators plenty of opportunities to come to the table but it remains clear they do not want a resolution.”

The Rail Delivery Group hit back: “Aslef’s leadership continues to disrupt travel plans.

“They rejected a fair and affordable offer without putting it to their members, which would take average driver base salaries for a 4 day week without overtime from £60,000 to nearly £65,000 by the end of 2023 pay awards.

“Train companies will work hard to minimise the impact of the overtime ban overtime ban Customers are advised to plan their journey in advance and check before they travel.”