Train drivers across England have declared a fresh strike in their long-running dispute over pay and conditions.
Members of the Aslef union will walk out on Saturday 26 November, causing more disruption for passengers after months of walkouts by various groups.
The 12 companies involved are Avanti West Coast; Chiltern Railways; CrossCountry; East Midlands Railway; Great Western Railway; Greater Anglia; London North Eastern Railway; London Overground; Northern Trains; Southeastern; Transpennine Express, and West Midlands Trains.
The rail network has been crippled by strikes as workers fight for inflation-busting pay rises amid the cost of living crisis.
Strikes on 5, 7 and 9 November were called off, but at too short notice to reinstate services, leaving Bonfire Night travellers stuck.
Today, members of Unite and the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union have walked out over jobs and pensions.
It means no services on large parts of the London Underground.
Only the Central, Northern, District, Elizabeth, Overground and DLR lines are running, but with reduced services.
Train companies with big profits should make ‘proper pay offer’
Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said of the latest industrial action: “We don’t want to be taking this action.
“We have come to the table, as we always will, in good faith but while the industry continues to make no offer – due to the dodgy deal they signed with the Department for Transport – we have no choice but to take strike action again.
“They want drivers to take a real terms pay cut.
“With inflation now well into double figures, train drivers who kept Britain moving through the pandemic are now being expected to work just as hard this year as last year but for less. Most of these drivers have not had an increase in salary since 2019.
“We want the companies – which are making huge profits – to make a proper pay offer so that our members can keep up with the cost of living.”