National Rail is warning passengers to double-check their travel plans from today right through to next Tuesday as the latest wave of industrial action by the ASLEF union severely reduces the number of trains running. The train strikes are likely to impact passengers in all corners of the UK.
In a statement posted to Twitter on April 4, 2024, National Rail warned: “Due to industrial action by the ASLEF union, there will be reduced train services in England between April 4 and April 9. Some cross-border services to Scotland and Wales may also be disrupted. Levels of disruption will vary across the country, with no services in some places, so passengers are advised to check for the latest updates before travelling.”
The are the latest from ASLEF union in a 20-month dispute over jobs, of which there has been no signs of a breakthrough. Part of the strike includes an overtime ban.
Rail Delivery Group said: “We are sorry that this round of strikes called by the ASLEF leadership risk disrupting journeys.
On Friday, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands and London Northwestern will be impacted by industrial action.
On Saturday train drivers will strike from Chiltern Railways, Great Western Railway, LNER, Heathrow Express, Northern and TransPennine Express.
Travel on Monday will also be impacted, with strike action affecting c2c, Gatwick Express, Greater Anglia (including Stansted Express), Great Northern, Southeastern, Southern, South Western Railway (including the Island Line) and Thameslink.
Passengers have been warned that on strike days there is a large chance there will be little to no service. This will hit large areas of the rail network where select train companies operate.
If you’re planning to travel on the days either side of strike action, it’s likely services will also be impacted with later start times. Days impacted by the overtime ban may also experience revised timetables, delays or even last-minute cancellations.
Passengers are advised to check their rail operator’s website or the National Rail website for the latest information and updates.
However, April will not be the end of strike disruption, with more to follow in May. In London, ASLEF Tube drivers will also conduct two days of strikes, with walkouts planned for Monday, April 8 and Saturday, May 4.
