Rail services in the northern regions of England have ground to a halt due to a strike by drivers from Northern and TransPennine Express, who are members of the Aslef union. The ongoing pay

dispute has led to a series of planned walkouts affecting different rail operators across the country until February 5.

Both TransPennine Express (TPE) and Northern have announced a complete halt to services on Wednesday. Aslef members will refuse to work overtime until February 6, impacting services from both operators in the coming days.

Kathryn O'Brien, Customer Service and Operations Director at TPE, acknowledged the severe disruption caused by the strike, with a complete suspension of services on January 31 and a limited timetable on the following day. The ban on overtime is expected to result in additional disruption, delays, and short-notice cancellations.

Affected customers are advised to check travel plans carefully and allow extra time for journeys. The strike is part of a wider pattern affecting various train companies on specific days until February 5, with each operator facing disruptions according to the Aslef schedule.

Tricia Williams, Chief Operating Officer at Northern, expressed regret for the significant inconvenience caused to customers and hoped for a resolution to the dispute in the near future. Aslef General Secretary Mick Whelan has accused ministers of lacking the will to resolve the dispute, urging the government and train companies to present a realistic offer during negotiations. Whelan highlighted the financial challenges faced by train drivers, emphasizing their commitment during the Covid-19 pandemic without seeking pay increases.

The strikes underscore the ongoing tensions within the rail industry regarding fair compensation for workers, with unions advocating for improved pay and working conditions. Photo by Rcsprinter123, Wikimedia commons.