Fresh rail strikes to heap ‘further pain’ on hospitality, says UKH
ASLEF has confirmed that the strikes will be held on 12 May, 31 May and 3 June after the union turned down what it described as a ‘risible’ pay offer of 4% a year for two years
Trade body UK Hospitality has called for all parties involved to “redouble” their efforts to reach a resolution ahead of planned strike action by train drivers.
Train drivers from the ASLEF union are set to strike on three dates across May and June dashing hopes of a resolution to the dispute.
ASLEF has confirmed that the strikes will be held on 12 May, 31 May and 3 June after the union turned down what it described as a “risible” pay offer of 4% a year for two years.
Trains from the following companies will be affected; Avanti West Coast; Chiltern Railways; CrossCountry; East Midlands Railway; Great Western Railway; Greater Anglia; GTR Great Northern Thameslink; London North Eastern Railway; Northern Trains; Southeastern; Southern/Gatwick Express; South Western Railway depot drivers; SWR Island Line; TransPennine Express; and West Midlands Trains.
Kate Nicholls, UKH CEO, said: “Collectively, hospitality businesses across the country have lost more than £3 billion in lost sales as a result of the strikes and there is no doubt that will increase as a result of today’s announcement, particularly as it will now impact the busy, high-demand summer period.
“I would urge all parties to redouble their efforts in negotiations to reach a resolution and end this long-running dispute, which continues to harm businesses, workers, consumers and public confidence in the rail network.”
Mick Whelan, ASLEF’s general secretary, added: “We do not want to go on strike – we do not want to inconvenience passengers, we have families and friends who use the railway, too, and we believe in investing in rail for the future of this country – but the blame for this action lies, fairly and squarely, at the feet of the employers who have forced our hand over this by their intransigence.”
