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Elizabeth Line train drivers to strike in dispute over pay

By:

Transport Reporter

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Train drivers on London’s Elizabeth Line will stage a series of strikes over the next month in a dispute over pay, a union has announced.

Members of Aslef, which represents nearly all of the UK’s train drivers, will walk out on 27 February, and on the 1st, 8th and 10th of March for 24 hours.

Drivers voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action, with 95 per cent voting yes on a turnout of 88 per cent after being offered a 4.5 per cent pay rise.

“Our members have been instrumental in the success of the Elizabeth line – it’s a partnership, in practice, between the company and its employees – but, despite our best efforts, MTR has decided not to recognise the input, the importance, and the value of train drivers in this success,” Mick Whelan, general secretary, said.

The Elizabeth Line is run by Hong Kong’s MTR Corporation and was delivered by the Crossrail project.

MTR lost the contract after nearly ten years in November, with a joint venture between the Go-Ahead Group, Tokyo Metro and Sumitomo Corporation set to take over in May.

Mike Bagshaw, managing director for MTR Elizabeth line, said: “We are disappointed that drivers on the Elizabeth line have rejected a 4.5 per cent pay rise and voted for industrial action.

“The offer would have maintained some of the highest salaries in the industry, along with enhanced terms and conditions.

“Any potential strike action will be disruptive for those who rely on the Elizabeth line, and we will work closely with Transport for London to ensure customers are informed of alternative travel options.

“We remain committed to engaging with Aslef in the hope of resolving this dispute.”

Nigel Gibson, one of ASLEF’s lead officers working with MTR, said: “Taking action is always a last resort, because we do not want to inconvenience passengers and our members do not want to lose money, and I hope that the company, seeing the strength of feeling amongst our members, their drivers, will do the right thing and return to the negotiating table.”