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30
Aug 2024
LNER train drivers call off months of weekend strikes
Train drivers’ union ASLEF has suspended strikes which were due to take place every weekend until November.
LNER drivers announced this month they would walk out every Saturday and Sunday from tomorrow (August 31) until November 10.
The union did not confirm at the time which services would be impacted, but LNER operates trains between Harrogate and London King’s Cross, as well as services between the town, Leeds and York.
However, the group yesterday announced the strike has been “suspended”.
Mick Whelan, ASLEF’s general secretary, said:
Once again, we have demonstrated that by sitting round the table and negotiating, issues on the railway can be resolved in a way that means better workplace practices for rail workers and a better service for the travelling public. ASLEF will continue to campaign for a fully staffed railway that doesn’t rely on excessive use of driver overtime.
We continue to operate in good faith, and we are pleased to have finally resolved this long-standing issue with LNER of abuse of our agreements. We look forward to normal working resuming.
ASLEF said the planned action followed “existing agreements broken by the employer".
The union said:
The railway is a safety critical environment, and procedures are in place to ensure safe operation.
ASLEF had raised safety concerns regarding driver managers ‘dual-rolling’, i.e. driving trains when they should have been available for on-call duties in the case of any incidents.
‘Constructive talks’
An LNER spokesperson said:
After constructive talks with ASLEF, we are pleased that strikes planned to commence from this Saturday, August 31, have now been called off.
We will be looking to strengthen the timetable published for this weekend and advise customers to check for the latest information in advance of their journey.
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