Rail passengers can once again expect to face disruption this weekend as train drivers walk out over pay.
Those journeying to the west of the country will be particularly affected as no CrossCountry services will run on Friday.
Great Western Railway will only be offering an ‘extremely’ limited service on Saturday.
This will be impact the rest of the national rail network, with 14 other companies expected to be affected.
Members of main train drivers’ union Aslef voted to strike due to ongoing disputes over pay and working conditions.
They said drivers have not had a pay rise for five years, and have accused companied of being ‘intransigent’.
A separate walkout affecting the London Underground was called off today.
Customers have been advised to avoid travel on Friday and the weekend unless essential.
Which train companies are striking?
- Friday 5 April: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway and West Midlands Trains
- Saturday 6 April: Chiltern Railways, Great Western Railway, LNER, Northern and TransPennine Express.
- Monday 8 April: c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway main line and SWR Island Lane
Richard Moris, CrossCountry’s service delivery director has apologised to customers ahead of tomorrow’s strikes.
He said: ‘While we’re working hard to run as many services as possible over these days, there is likely to be significant disruption for people planning to travel – especially on Saturday 6 April.
‘I’d ask those planning to travel to check their journey in advance, as well as on the day.’
Aslef general secretary Mick Whelan said: ‘Our members voted overwhelmingly – yet again – for strike action.
‘Drivers wouldn’t vote for industrial action, again and again and again, if they thought that was a good offer. That offer was dead in the water in April last year and Mr Harper knows that.
‘We have given the Government every opportunity to come to the table but it is now clear they do not want to resolve this dispute. They are happy for it go on and on.’
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