LNER train strikes: Aslef says staff morale is ‘at rock bottom’ due to ‘toxic’ dispute

Aslef's chief negotiator stressed that after announcing new strikes, the train drivers' union was giving priority to its members, whose “morale is at rock bottom” following clashes in a “toxic” conflict with rail operator LNER.

Train drivers on the LNER, which operates the East Coast Main Line between London and Edinburgh, will strike at weekends from the end of August to November 10 as part of an industrial action, Aslef announced this week.

The union said its action was in response to “bullying by management and ongoing breaches of contract by the company” and was unrelated to the long-running pay dispute – which began in July 2022 but is likely to be resolved following a new offer from Sir Keir Starmer's government this week.

Aslef's announcement prompted opposition MPs to warn that the offer of a three-year, no-condition 15 per cent pay rise set a precedent that would encourage further industrial action, while Tory leader James Cleverly claimed Labour had been exploited by its “union backers”.

On Saturday, Aslef's chief negotiator Nigel Roebuck praised new 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 work within agreements, we sign agreements together. We make agreements, we don't break them,” Roebuck told Times Radio. “If there is a strike, it is because everything else has failed. You can't keep trying forever.”

He added: “Our members are our first priority and our members’ mandate relates to a separate issue that has been ongoing for two years.

“This dispute is not about salaries, but about the upgrading of our collective agreements.

“We now have a toxic situation, morale among our members is at rock bottom. Our members say they want to stick to 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.”

Additional reporting by PA