Train Chaos Alert: Aslef Union Slaps Down Third Overtime Ban
The railway drama continues as train drivers’ union Aslef launches a third overtime ban, sparking fresh travel chaos. From Monday, July 31, drivers will refuse to work extra hours for six days straight. This latest move comes hot on the heels of a second overtime ban within three weeks, amid bitter battles over pay, job security, and working conditions.
Double Trouble: More Strikes from RMT This Week
To make matters worse, RMT union members are gearing up for strikes on Thursday, July 20, and Saturday, July 22—plus another Saturday strike on July 29. Passengers are being warned to check before they travel as significant rail disruptions loom.
Overtime Bans and Strikes Bring Rail Services to a Standstill
- Aslef’s overtime bans hit 15 English rail firms from July 17–22 and again from July 31–August 5.
- Actual RMT strike days: July 20, 22, and 29, affecting 14 major rail operators including Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, Great Western Railway, LNER, Southeastern, and TransPennine Express.
- Previous strike days saw cancelled services, reduced timetables, and closed lines—expect more of the same.
Passengers are urged to keep an eagle eye on operator updates to avoid getting stranded.
Pay and Conditions Dispute at Heart of Rail Turmoil
The strikes and bans stem from a fiery dispute over pay rises, job security, and the pressing need to modernise the railway network. Unions demand pay offers that truly match soaring living costs. Meanwhile, the industry faces massive budget cuts following pandemic losses.
According to the Office for National Statistics, rail workers’ average salary hit £45,919 in 2022. Train drivers—mainly Aslef members—are excluded, claiming no pay rise in four years since the 2019 stalemate.
The Rail Delivery Group, representing the 14 affected companies, proposed a backdated 5% pay rise for 2022, with ongoing talks for 2023. But both Aslef and RMT have slammed the offer, prolonging the row and rail misery.
