Rail strikes: How passengers in East Anglia will be affected

Train drivers are refusing to work overtime for six days

Author: Sian RochePublished 3rd Jul 2023

Disruption to rail journeys is expected across East Anglia this week as train drivers refuse to work overtime for six days.

Aslef announced last month that its members will withdraw non-contractual overtime, known as rest-day working, with 16 of the country's 35 rail operators from Monday July 3 to Saturday July 8.

Workers at Greater Anglia are involved, as are staff at Great Northern.

The action could impact visitors to the first week of the Wimbledon tennis tournament.

The RMT union has also scheduled further strikes for the following dates:

Thursday 20 July

Saturday 22 July

Saturday 29 July

How are services in the East Anglia affected?

C2C

The website states if your journey is delayed by over two minutes, you will automatically get a delay repay if you travel using a c2c Smartcard.

East Midlands Railway

The company has said from 3 July to 8 July it is expecting a "normal" timetable, but trains are subject to cancellations and changes at short notice.

It has also advised passengers to check before travelling.

EMR also said it is currently reviewing how the strikes on 20, 22 and 29 July will impact its services.

"More information including timetable details, journey planners and ticketing/refund advice will be updated as soon as possible," it added.

Greater Anglia

Greater Anglia has said services will start later the next day - after each RMT strike - as a "knock-on" from the walkouts.

It has asked customers to check back later on its website for more details.

GTR/Great Northern

GTR, also known as Govia Thameslink Railway, is the UK's biggest railway franchise and operates Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express.

Between 3 July and 8 July, there will be an amended timetable, with fewer services running.

The companies said: "Services will be busier than usual. It's likely you will need to queue and you may not be able to board your chosen service. You should allow extra time for your journey."

Gatwick Express services will not run. Gatwick Airport will still be served by Southern and Thameslink.

Negotiations

It is understood that there have been no negotiations between the union and the rail operators since the action was announced on June 19.

Mick Whelan, Aslef's general secretary, said at the time: "Once again, we find ourselves with no alternative but to take this action.

"We have continually come to the negotiating table in good faith, seeking to resolve this dispute.

"Sadly, it is clear from the actions of both the train operating companies and the Government that they do not want an end to the dispute.

"Their goals appear to be to continue industrial strife and to do down our industry.

"We don't want to inconvenience the public.

"We just want to see our members paid fairly during a cost-of-living crisis when inflation is running at above 10%, and to not see our terms and conditions taken away.

"It's time for the Government and the companies to think again and look for a resolution."

Disruption

A spokesman for the Rail Delivery Group responded: "Aslef's leadership continues to disrupt customers' travel plans.

"They rejected a fair and affordable offer without putting it to their members which would take average driver base salaries for a basic salary for a four-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 but the impact of Aslef's action will vary across the 16 train operators and customers are advised to check their travel plans before setting off.

"We ask Aslef to recognise the very real financial challenge the industry is facing and work with us to deliver a better railway with a strong long-term future."

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