Chiltern Railways drivers to walk out over pay dispute

Disruption is expected to affect journeys across the country, as ASLEF members walk out

Chiltern Railways strike
Author: Zoe Head-ThomasPublished 5th Feb 2024

Members of the ASLEF union say they want to be recognised for the high-skilled jobs they do, as industrial action on the railways continues across Buckinghamshire.

Train drivers from the union ASLEF are walking out as part of a week of rolling strike action across the country in their long-running dispute over pay and conditions.

Widespread disruption is expected, and the public is being warned to check their journeys before travelling.

Matt Turner, from Chiltern Railways, said: "Unfortunately, industrial action will affect our service, so if you are travelling this week please check your full journey before you travel because there will be disruption at different operators across different days."

"There may well be some short notice changes and at worst, a small number of cancellations."

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Andy Hourigan is from ASLEF.

He told us why they're striking: "Being a train driver means having a 'high-skill job'.

"In 2019, the Conservatives said that high-skill jobs should have high-skill pay."

He continued, saying the job's "not as simple as pushing buttons and pulling levers... it's about alertness, responsibilities and facing challenges".

Andy explained that the members don't want to strike but "have no other tricks" they can use to be heard, with a lot of ASLEF members "losing money."

What they want

Above all, Andy says ASLEF members want the opportunity to sit down and negotiate: "There are things that we can take off the table, the things we might be able to put on the table.

"I will pay for a cup of tea for Mr Harper. I'll even get him a cookie to get him into the room."

Government response

The Government says it's offered a fair and reasonable pay offer.

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