Rail passengers warned of disruption because of fresh strikes

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. This unnecessary and avoidable industrial action called by the Aslef leadership has been targeted to disrupt customers and businesses ahead of the vital festive period, where people will be attending events and catching up with friends and loved ones Rail Delivery Group spokesman Revised timetables are being prepared and should be available by November 30. A spokesperson for Rail Delivery Group said: “This unnecessary and avoidable industrial action called by the Aslef leadership has been targeted to disrupt customers and businesses ahead of the vital festive period, where people will be attending events and catching up with friends and loved ones. “We urge them to put it to its members, give Christmas back to our customers and end this damaging industrial dispute.” A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “It is disappointing that Aslef are targeting the public and hospitality businesses at the beginning of the festive period, when there is a fair and reasonable pay offer for train drivers on the table that would take their salary up to an average of £65,000 for a 35-hour, four-day week. Instead of going on strike, Aslef should be following in the footsteps of the other rail unions and giving their members a vote on this fair pay deal.” The strikes will affect the following operators:December 2 – East Midlands and LNER.December 3 – Avanti West Coast, Chiltern, West Midlands Trains, Great Northern/Thameslink.December 5 – C2C, Greater Anglia.December 6 – Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express, South Western Railway, Island Line.December 7 – CrossCountry, Great Western Railway.December 8 – Northern, TransPennine.