Aslef: Rail operator strikes in the wake of dispute with LNER declared a ‘toxic situation’

Aslef's chief negotiator said the union was “putting members first” in a “toxic situation” after announcing a new wave of strikes.

Due to a dispute over collective agreements, train drivers at LNER, which operates passenger services on the east coast main line between London and Edinburgh, will go on strike at weekends from the end of August.

The dispute is unrelated to the long-running dispute over workers' salaries, which is likely to be resolved following a new offer from the government this week.

Negotiator Nigel Roebuck told Times Radio: “We work within agreements, we sign agreements together. We make agreements, we don't break them.”

“If you decide to go on strike, it's because everything else has failed. You can't keep trying forever.”

He praised Transport Secretary Louise Haigh for being “the adult in the room” during pay negotiations, but said LNER had “consistently blocked” attempts to resolve the latest dispute.

We will continue to work with Aslef to find a way to end this long-standing dispute which only harms the rail industry.

“Our members are our first priority and our members' mandate relates to a different issue that has been going on for two years,” he said. “This dispute has nothing to do with pay, it is about improving our collective agreements.”

“The situation is now toxic, the morale of our members is at rock bottom.

“Our members say they want to work within the framework of their agreements, they want respect and dignity and we need to move forward.”

The planned strikes will last a total of 22 days and will take place every Saturday and Sunday from September 1 to November 10.

An LNER spokesman said: “Our main focus will be to minimise disruption to customers during the upcoming Aslef strikes as unfortunately disruption and delays will continue.”

“We are surprised and disappointed to hear this news after recent constructive discussions.

“We will continue to work with Aslef to find a way to end this long-standing dispute, which only harms the rail industry.”