UK train drivers are planning a nationwide strike over pay on 30 July in their first co-ordinated industrial action in 27 years.
Train drivers’ union Aslef cited pay offers that have failed to keep up with the rising cost of living and follows three days of RMT strike action in June.
The strike will be preceded by another RMT strike on 27 July and followed by further RMT strikes on 18 and 20 August, the most recent strike action in a lengthy dispute over pay, job security, and working conditions.
The Night Time Industries Association has said further strike action will impact trade and consumer confidence, hampering post-pandemic recovery for the night time economy, which heavily relies on the rail network.
CEO Michael Kill said: “Our industry is suffering heavily from rising costs, as inflation reaches a high, with most reporting an estimated loss of up to 40% in trade from previous strike activity, we must come together to support a recovery we can all benefit from.”
“Any consideration of long term strike action would be catastrophic, sporadic weekly or daily planned strike action is eating into consumer confidence, and will lead to an irreparable loss of business and jobs, after so much hard work has been put into recovery in the last 12 months.”
“Our sector is at a critical point in building to pre covid business levels, as we embark on one of the most important summer festival seasons.”
