Rail passengers should brace for significant disruptions on Monday as train drivers stage walkouts over pay and working conditions. The strikes, organized by the Aslef union, are part of rolling
one-day walkouts affecting 16 train companies between Friday 5 April and Monday 8 April.
Affected Lines on Monday:
c2c
Greater Anglia
GTR Great Northern
Thameslink
Southeastern
Southern/Gatwick Express
South Western Railway main line and depot drivers
SWR Island Line
The strikes will last for 24 hours from midnight, with Southern announcing no trains will run across most of its network. South Western Railway will operate a significantly reduced service, and Thameslink services will be limited. Additionally, there will be no Great Northern or Gatwick Express services.
Most Southeastern routes and stations will be closed, with minimal service where available. No c2c trains will run, but Greater Anglia will operate hourly services on select routes.
Furthermore, Aslef members will refuse to work on rest days from Monday 8 to Tuesday 9 April, leading to additional delays and cancellations.
Passengers are advised to check the National Rail website for the latest information on service availability.
Strike Background:
Aslef is seeking improved pay and working conditions for its members, rejecting a 4% pay rise offer in April 2023. Train operators argue that changes are necessary for wage increases due to financial constraints and fairness to taxpayers.
Refunds and Compensation:
Rail passengers with advance tickets may receive fee-free refunds for canceled, delayed, or rescheduled trains due to strikes. Season ticket holders unable to travel can claim 100% compensation through the Delay Repay scheme.
Future Strikes:
Unions must re-ballot members every six months for continued industrial action. Talks over pay deals and working practices will continue, with the minimum service levels law requiring companies to run 40% of services on strike days.
Salary Insights:
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports median pay for train and tram drivers is nearly £59,000, with the rejected offer by Aslef aiming to increase average train driver pay to £65,000. Excluding drivers, the average salary for rail workers is estimated at £39,518. Photo by Superalbs, Wikimedia commons.